DICTIONARY
Kirundi – English / English – Kirundi
prepared by
Elizabeth E. Cox
In using the dictionary it will be noted that the plural prefixes of nouns and
the past suffixes of verbs are not given in the English - Kirundi section. For these,
it will be necessary to turn to the Kirundi - English section.
Kirundi words are alphabetized according to the stem. For exemple,
“kurwara” will be found in te R’s (ku-rwara). The prefixes of nouns and
infinitives will therefore be separated by a hyphen.
In finding words it will be necessary to remember the rules of consonant
changes which take place. For example “kurwara” will be found in the R’s but
“indwara”, though of the same stem, in the D’s; many words with stems starting
with H will be found under P; words with a vowel beginning and having the INprefix may have a Y or Z, and will be found under these letters.
N. B.
vi
vt
Fr.
Rw.
Sw.
Bar over
vowel (ō)
Verb Intransitive
Verb Transitive
French
Kinyarwanda / Kirundi of Northern Burundi
Kiswahili
Long sound
Elizabeth E. Cox, 1969
Marston Memorial Historical Center
https://historical.fmcusa.org
revised and augmented edition, February 2023
Martin Philipps
This document was dynamically created from the online Kirundi dictionary at www.matana.de
For the latest version of this dictionary or the corresponding Kirundi study course, please visit
https://www.matana.de
ORTHOGRAPHY RULES
(These rules were drawn up by an orthography committee of the Alliance.)
1.
Apostrophes should be used in these words when they are followed by a vowel:
a) na, ni, si, -ri, -ti, yamara, ingene, ariko, kubwa, maze, mbega, nka, canke, none, kandi, rero, mbere, erega,
ehe, buno, asangwa, namba, naho, iyo (as conjunction), muri, kuri, hako.
Examples: N’abandi. N’umwigisha. S’umuhungu. Ar’ i muhira. At’ Uzoza ryari? Yamar’ abana... Ingen’
abikoze. Arik’ umuntu wese. Kubw’ ivyo. Maz’ aragenda. Mbeg’ uzoza? Nk’abana. Cank’ ibiti. Non’ ubu.
Kand’ abantu... Rer’ umuntu wese. Mber’ aragiye. Ereg’ ivyiwe vyaheze. Eh’ ari hano. Bun’ aragenda. Kuk’
utabigomba. Yuk’ uwagiye... K’ubivuze. Nuk’ umuntu wese... Ng’ ubibone. Uk’ ugomba. Nah’ ukora iki. Iy’
agenda... Mur’ iyo nzu. Kur’ uyo. Namb’ abikora. Asangw’ ugomba... Hak’ ubiheba.
Note the spacing as well: na, ni, si, nka do not leave a space.
b) Kuko, ko, yuko, nuko, ngo, uko: the o changes to w before a, e, i. It is replaced by an apostrophe before u.
Examples: Kukw afise. Yukw iri hano. Kuk’ uzogenda.
c) N’ingoga has an apostrophe (not ningoga). Bikore n’ingoga.
d) N’iki has an apostrophe in expressions like: N’iki gituma (as everywhere).
e) Ahi, iyo: the o is replaced by an apostrophe before all vowels:
Ah’ uzozira. Ah’ ashaka. Iy’ ataje.
f) Uz’ ugende. Az’ abimenye. (This is a future imperative or subjunctive, with –za used as an auxiliary verb.)
g) The possessive particle elides.
2.
Apostrophes in pronouns:
a) An apostrophe is not used in personal, demonstrative, numeral, quantitative, interrogative pronouns.
Examples: Ni we azogenda (not, Ni w’azogenda). Uyo arakora (not, Uy’ arakora). Nta co ukoze (not, Nta c’
ukoze). Iyi irarwaye (not, Iy’ irarwaye). Har’ ico ubona? (nor, har’ ic’ ubona?). N’ico uyu akoze kizovuga (not,
N’ic’ uy’ akoze...). Batangazwa n’ivyo abishura (not, Ivy’ abishura). Ni nde azogenda? (not, Ni nd’
azogenda?).
b) Pronouns that may have an apostrophe before a vowel:
1. The possessive pronoun: ivy’ abantu (for ivya abantu), iz’ abakuru, ab’ iki gihe.
2. The demonstrative pronoun will have an apostrophe in these expressions: ic’ ari co, uw’ ari we, ivy’ ari vyo.
3.
Words that must not have an apostrophe:
a) All nouns, verbs (except those indicated in 1 a) and f), adjectives, adverbs, such as cane, ubu, nyene (except
adverbs listed in no. 1 above).
b) Nguyo. e.g. Nguyo Umwagazi w’intama. Ngiki igitabo. (Note that there is no apostrophe in the middle or
the end of the word, and that the initial vowel of the word following is not removed.)
c) Kurubu (when it means perhaps) e.g. Kurubu yaje, simbizi. (But if ubu is a separate word referring to time,
the apostrophe is used: kur’ ubu.)
d) Before proper nouns none of these words elides, except words like: Imana, Abarundi, Abanyarwanda, etc.
The reason for this exception is that Africans do not think of these words as proper nouns.
4.
Nuko and n’uko:
a) When it stands for ni uko, it is written n’uko: Igituma atabikoze n’ukw atabimenye – the reason he didn’t do
it is that he didn’t know.
b) When it stands for na uko, it is written n’uko: Vyatewe n’uko ntariho – It was caused by (the fact) that I
wasn’t here.
c) Nuko meaning thus, so, therefore, does not have an apostrophe. e.g. Nuko rer’ umuntu wese iy’ ari muri
Kristo... – Therefore every one who is in Christ...
5.
Suffixes: -ho, -ko, -yo, -mwo, -na:
a) –ko. Before a and i it changes to kw: Yashizekw inkwi. Before u it changes to k’: Yashizek’ umunyu.
b) –ho. It changes to h’: Harih’ ibitabo. Harih’ abantu. harih’ umunyu. (In some areas, people make the o a w
before a and i, but we do not write it that way.)
c) –yo. It changes to y’: Yashubijey’ ibintu.
d) –mwo. It changes to mw’: Yashizemw’ ibintu.
e) –na. An apostrophe is never used in this suffix. Baravugana ibikorwa.
6.
Note the orthography of the following words:
a) nta bwo, nta ho. These are written as two words (not, ntabwo), and do not take an apostrophe.
b) ba se, ba nyina, ba Bwana, ba naka, ba nde, etc. (Two words in each case.)
c) bene Data (two words, with a capital letter only on Data).
d) Ntibaribwashike (this is the never-yet tense, and it is written as one word).
e) amafaranga (not, amafranga), Afirika (not, Afrika), Igifaransa (not, Igifransa).
f) These words have pf: gupfa, gupfungana, urupfunguzo, impfunguzo, gupfunga, umupfuko, impfizi, gupfuka,
gupfuma, ipfa, ipfupfu, amapfa, gupfinda.
g) These words have only f: kwifuza, ifuku, ifuhe, gufukira (i.e. guhambagira), gufudika.
7.
Use of capital letters:
a) Words referring to God are not capitalized, as: yo, yera, etc., except actual names of God: Imana, Rurema,
Indavyi.
b) Names referring to people in a general sense are not capitalized: abera, abazungu, abirabura. But names of
tribes or races are capitalized: Abarundi, Ababiligi, Abanyafirika
c) Igitabo c’Imana. This is capitalized since it refers to the Bible.
8.
You know that mu and ku change to muri and kuri before proper names. When these names begin with a vowel
muri and kuri do not elide: muri Amerika, muri Afirika, muri Efeso, muri Egiputa.
9.
Quotation marks:
Ordinarily, since –ti serves almost as quotation marks, the latter are not necessary when –ti is present (or, ngo).
However, if there is ambiguity as to where the quotation ends, quotation marks may be used as well as –ti. e.g.
Bat’ “Abantu baje,” baraheza baragenda – They said, “The people have come”, then they went away.
10. Words like the following have a y between the i and a: Mariya, Nehemiya, Eliya, etc.
11. These French words are Kirundi-ized as follows:
commune – ikomine
l’etat – Leta
million – imiliyoni
station – istasiyoni
litre – ilitiri
mission – imisiyoni
kilometre – ikilometero (pl. ibi-)
missionnaire – umumisiyoneri
Amerique – Amerika
gramme – igarame (pl. ama-)
Angleterre – Ubwongereza
Protestants – Abaprotestanti
(the English) – Abongereza
Premier ministre – Ministre mukuru
(English language) – Icongereza
Kirundi - English
A
kw-ābīra (-riye) 1. to wed, to
marry, 2. to receive, 3. to reach out
for
kw-ābīrana (-nye) 1. to wed each
other, to marry each other, 2. to
receive each other, 3. to reach out
for each other
kw-ābīrwa (-we) to get married
(passive)
ic-ābona (ivy-) witness
--ācu (adj.) our, ours
ikw-adarato (ivy-) square (from
Fr.)
ic-aduka (ivy-) accident
kw-āduka (-tse) 1. to appear
suddenly, 2. to be introduced, 3. to
be new
4. to have a large capacity (from
kwāgura)
ubw-aguke width
kw-āgura (-ye) 1. to stretch, 2. to
kw-āka (-tse) 1. to take away from,
2. to demand from, to reclaim, 3. to
shine, to burn
ukw-aka combustion
widen, make wider, 3. to enlarge, to umw-āka (imy-) year
extend
umw-āka w’ishule grade level
ic-āha (ivy-) 1. sin, fault, 2. crime
umw-akāka (imy-) brass (as used
kw-āha (-she) to gather (from
in bracelets)
garden)
iny-akamwe person living alone,
ukw-āha (am-) armpit, armhole,
one by himself
axilia
ubw-ākara (am-) leafy vegetable
ak-āhebwe (utw-) 1. something
(of certain sort)
forsaken, 2. worn out thing
kw-ākīra (-riye) 1. to receive, take
ak-āheze person or thing
from another, 2. to take another's
completely at end of usefulness
place or burden, 3. to accept
(from guhera)
kw-ākīrana (-nye) 1. to take turns,
ic-ahinguwe (ivy-) product, article, 2. to shine, 3. to be cheerful
manufactured item, something
kw-ākīranwa (-nywe) to take turns
fabricated
kw-āga (-ze) 1. to scratch with
fingernail, to scratch lightly, 2. to
be narrow
grass (to use it for something)
kw-ākīrwa (-we) 1. to be received,
to be taken, 3. to be helped with
burden
umw-āga harshness
kw-āhirika (-tse) to be easy to cut
or pull (grass), (from kwāha)
ubw-aku mouth odor
kw-āga hasi to humiliate oneself
kw-āhirira (-ye) to cut grass at, for
kw-ākura (-ye) to signal to come
am-āgage 1. uvula, palate (soft), 2.
kw-āhira (-ye) (from kwāha) to cut
kw-āhiza (-je) 1. to cut grass with,
iny-āma (iny-) 1. meat, 2. flesh
tonsils
2. to help to cut
umw-āgazi (imy-) kid, young goat
umw-āgazi w'intama (imy-) lamb
aho there, when, where (not in
questions), good!
kw-āma (-mye) 1. to always or
continually do a thing, 2. to bear
fruit
ic-āgezwe (ivy-) commandment
aho rēro that's it, at last
ic-āgiriza (ivy-) proof
ahubwo (adv.) instead, rather,
alternatively, nay
kw-āgiriza (-je) 1. to witness, to
certify, to prove, 2. to accuse
agisida accident (from Fr.
accident)
kw-āhuka (-tse) 1. to pasture, 2. to
begin a task
kw-āhukāna (-nye) 1. to seperate,
to divorce (vi), 2. to finish (vi)
ic-āgo (ivy-) 1. trouble, 2.
misfortune, 3. bad luck, 4. accident, kw-āhukānya (-nije) 1. to seperate,
divorce, 2. to finish (vt)
5. risk
kw-āguka (-tse) 1. to be stretched,
2. to be widened, 3. to be enlarged,
kw-āhura (-ye) 1. to pasture
animals in good place, 2. to put to
work
1
ukw-āma wihebuye pessimism
(from kwāma)
kw-āmaho (-myeho) to be eternal
(from kwama)
kw-āmāmara (-ye) 1. to become
known, 2. to spread everywhere (vi)
kw-āmāmaza (-je) to make known
everywhere
kw-āmana (-nye) 1. to live
together, 2. to be together always
(from kwama)
ubw-āmāso (no pl.) seeing face to
face
iny-amāswa (iny-) wild animal,
kw-āmbura (-ye) 1. to undress, to
remove clothing, 2. to steal (from
kwambara)
beast
ubw-āmbure nakedness
ic-āmba (ivy-) bait
umw-āmbure (ab-) naked person
kw-āmbara (-ye) to wear, to put on
(clothes), to dress oneself
kw-āmbutsa (-kije) 1. to exile, 2.
chase far away
iny-ambarabāmi (iny-) king's
kw-āmbutswa (-kijwe) to be exiled
clothing, esp. animal skins worn by
kings or great chiefs, or jewels
ubw-āmbuzi (no pl.) thievery, theft
umw-āmbaro (imy-) garment,
umw-āmbuzi (ab-) thief
clothing
amēnya (adj.) naked
ic-āmbarwa (ivy-) clothing
Amerika America
kw-āmbarwa (-we) to be worn
ambasade embassy
kw-āmbaza (-je) to call for help
ic-āmbazo (ivy-) clothing for work
urw-āmfu (inz-) weeds (of a
certain sort, used in basketry)
ibw-āmi at the king's court, royal
court
ic-āmwa (ivy-) fruit, piece of fruit
ak-āna (ut-) little child (from
umwāna)
ic-āna (ivy-) 1. colt, 2. young of
some large animals
iny-āna (iny-) calf
kw-āna (-nye) to weep (baby)
rw-āna (adv.) childishly
ubw-āna (no pl.) childhood
umw-āna (ab-) 1. child, baby, 2.
young of animal
umw-āna yonka breastfeeding
(from kwōnka)
kw-ānāna (-nye) 1. to cry (of young
about to die), 2. to be about to die
for lack of moisture (seeds)
umw-ānda (imy-) 1. dirtiness, dirt,
ubw-āmi kingdom
filth, 2. pollution
class prefix)
umw-āmi (ab-) king, lord
ic-ambere (adj.) priority, a first
umw-āmikazi (ab-) 1. queen, 2.
wife of great chief or of king
kw-āndagara (-ye) to be made
known, come from dark into light
--ambere (adj.) first (preceded by
kw-āmbika (-tse) to clothe (vt)
kw-āmbika ibara to spoil another's
reputation
kw-āmira (-ye) 1. to forbid, 2.
chase away with shouts
kw-āmīsha (-shije) to cause to bear
kw-āmbikwa (-tswe) to be clothed
fruit
kw-āmbira (-ye) to leaven, to
ak-āmo (no pl.) loud voice
ferment
umw-āmbiro (imy-) leaven,
fermenting agent
ic-āmbu (ivy-) ford (in river)
in-āmbu (in-) appetite, desire for a
certain food
am-āmo (no pl.) birthplace
iny-āmo (iny-) 1. race, 2. ancestry,
3. origin
iny-āmbukīra (iny-) traveller,
wanderer
umw-āmbukīra (ab-) traveller,
wanderer
kw-āndāra (-ye) 1. to go slowly (of
convalescent), 2. to convalesce, 3.
to make an effort
kw-āndārika (-tse) to be careless
(with things)
kw-āndāza (-je) to help a sick
person walk
kw-āndika (-tse) to write
urw-āmo (inz-) clamor, noise,
racket
urw-āndika writing
umw-āmpi (imy-) arrow
kw-āndikira (-ye) to write to, for
kw-āmbuka (-tse) 1. to cross (road,
umw-āmpi y'ikiribiti match
river), 2. to travel, 3. go far away,
4. to leave the country
kw-āmūka (-tse) to be born of, to
originate
kw-āmbukana (-nye) 1. to take far
away, 2. to go with
kw-āndagaza (-je) to spread
abroad, make known
kw-āmūra (-ye) 1. to gather fruit,
to harvest (esp. from perennial
plants), 2. to bring things in from
sun (from kwanikira)
kw-āmūrura (-ye) to cease to bear
fruit
2
kw-andikirwa (-we) 1. to be written
for, to, 2. to be written on
ukw-andikirwa something written
for, to
kw-āndikisha (-shije) 1. to write
with, cause to write, 2. to enroll, 3.
to register
kw-āndikishwa (-shijwe) 1. to be
registered, 2. to be enrolled, 3. to be
listed, 4. to be checked in
ic-āndiko (ivy-) writing
kw-ānikira (-ye) to put out in sun
urw-āndiko (inz-) writing
ukw-ānikira drying
kw-āndikwa (-tswe) to be written
ak-ānīra (no pl.) pertussis,
umw-āndu (imy-) inheritance
kw-āndukira (-ye) to be contagious
ukw-āndukira contagion, infection
whooping cough, whoop
kw-ānīra (-riye) to weep
kw-ānjānjwa (-jwe) 1. to hold
ak-anya (utw-) 1. a small space, 2.
a short time, a brief moment
ic-ānya (ivy-) place surrounding
great chief's kraal, good pastures
iny-anya (iny-) tomato
umw-ānya (imy-) 1. time, duration,
moment, 2. space, 3. distance, 4.
seat
kw-āndukirwa (-we) to contract a
lightly, 2. be careless with, 3. to
neglect
contagious disease
kw-ānka (-nse) 1. to refuse, 2. to
kw-āndukiza (-je) to transmit a
im-ānza (sg. urubānza) 1. trial, 2.
contagious disease
hate, to detest, 3. to resist, to
oppose
ukw-āndukiza contamination,
iny-ankamugayo (no pl.) 1.
umw-anza (imy-) track of animal
transmission of a contagious
disease
honesty, 2. righteousness, 3.
blamelessness, 4. integrity
kw-ānzika (-tse) to start
kw-āndura (-ye) 1. to contract a
kw-ānkana (-nye) to hate each
disease from another, 2. to get dirty
other
kw-āndūra (-ye) to take to put
umw-ankanvu (ab-) child starting
away, to gather up
to know a little
kw-ānduruka (-tse) to originate, to
umw-ānya kanaka a certain time
affair, 3. judgment, condemnation
ic-ānzo (ivy-) small opening in
backyard enclosure for emergency
exits or used by women and
children
urw-āra (inz-) 1. fingernail, 2.
kw-ānkanya (-nije) to thin out
toenail, 3. claw, 4. hoof
come from
plants
iny-ānduruko (iny-) 1. reason, 2.
origin, 3. cause
ubw-ānkanyi (no pl.) hatred
kw-āndurutsa (-kije) 1. to provoke,
starting to know a little
2. to start a quarrel
kw-ānkika (-tse) to try repeatedly
kw-āndurwa (-we) to be contracted
unsuccessfully
(disease)
kw-ānkira (-ye) 1. to refuse to, 2. to
ic-ānga (ivy-) taste, flavor
be impossible for, 3. to be willful,
4. to be disobedient (very strongly)
kw-ārika (-tse) to make a nest
kw-ānkīsha (-shije) to cause to
umw-ārimu (ab-) teacher (Sw.)
umw-āngange (imy-) big round
red lily (wild)
in-anganyabwonko keyboard
kw-āngāra (-ye) to wander about
from place to place
urw-āngāra (no pl.) carelessness,
negligence
am-āngati belching
Umw-arabu (Ab-) Arab person
umw-ankavu (ab-) young child,
ak-ārānda (no pl.) ancient customs
ubw-ārāra (no pl.) contagious
disease (term of scorn: uri
n'ubwarara)
ic-āri (ivy-) nest
hate
ariko (conj.) but, however
ic-ārimwe (no pl.) all together, in
urw-ānko (no pl.) hatred, antipathy
unison
urw-ānkūnzi (no pl.) favoritism,
partiality (sometimes as result of
bribe)
ak-ārōnda (no pl.) 1. inherited
property or position, 2. origin
arondisema borough, district,
kw-ānkwa (-nswe) to be hated
precinct
ic-ansi (ivy-) milk cup
kw-āruka (-tse) 1. reach the age of
accountability, 2. to grow up
kw-āngāza (-je) to spread abroad,
make known (from kwangara)
ubw-ānsi (no pl.) enmity
umw-āngāzi (ab-) vagabond
umw-ānsi (ab-) enemy
--angu (adj.) diluted (esp. milk or
antene antenna, aerial
beer)
ubw-ānwa (no pl.) beard
kw-ānguha (-she) to lie
3
urw-aruka (no pl.) youth, group of
teenagers
kw-ārura (-ye) to dish up food
kw-ārūza (-je) to tear down nest
urw-ārwa (inz-) banana beer (also
urwāgwa, urwāwa, the plural is
only used when the beer is
criticized)
urw-asakusaku (in-) chin
kw-āsama (-mye) to open the
mouth, to be open (mouth)
kw-āsamika (-tse) to cause to open
the mouth
kw-āsamira (-ye) to open the
mouth for
kw-āsamura (-ye) to sneeze
kw-āsamuza (-je) to cause to
sneeze
kw-āsana (-nye) 1. to clash
together, 2. to shatter, 3. to make
big noise
kw-ātsa (-kije) (from kwaka) 1. to
blow the fire, 2. to light a fire
ic-ātsi (ivy-) grass of any kind
(sing. rarely used)
ivy-ātsi grass of any kind (sing.
rarely used)
ubw-ātsi (no pl.) 1. grass, straw
ku-ba bibi to be worse, to be
horrible
ku-ba hano to be present
u-ba hehe where are you?
ku-ba maso 1. to watch, 2. to be
alert, to be on guard
(esp. for building), 2. field
ku-ba mu maraso to menstruate
ak-ātsi gatoto green
i-baba (ama-) wing
kw-ātura (-ye) 1. to make known,
n'aka-bāba goodbye
2. bring into open from hidden
place, 3. to confess, 4. to pronounce
clearly, to articulate, 5. to open
(flower)
ku-babara (-ye) 1. to suffer, hurt,
2. to be sad (vi), 3. to care about, 4.
to feel, experience (negative
emotion)
kw-āturuka (-tse) to crack, to open
uku-babara irritation (med.)
(vi)
ubu-babare pain, suffering (from
kw-āturura (-ye) tu burst open (vt)
kubabara)
umw-āvu (imy-) discarded things,
trash, garbage
ubu-babare bwo mu mitsi
kw-āvura (-ye) to crawl, to creep
(on hands and knees)
ku-babarira (-ye) 1. to forgive, 2.
to excuse, 3. to sympathize
asima asthma
urw-āvya (inz-) small pot (for
m-babarira Sorry!
kw-ātagura (-ye) to tell the whole
butter)
truth without hiding a thing
kw-āya (-ye) 1. to waste, 2. to
atāri except
consume uselessly
aka-babaro (utu-) grief, sorrow
kw-ātira (-ye) 1. to choose leader,
ak-āyi little tea, breakfast tea
umu-babaro (imi-) 1. grief,
2. to put bees in new hive, 3. to
dedicate, 4. to ordain
(diminutive of icāyi)
sorrow, 2. pain
ic-āyi (ivy-) tea (pl. used for
kw-ātīra (-riye) 1. to go down the
different kinds of tea)
middle (e.g. of path or country), 2.
to crack (vi, vt)
ku-babaza (-je) 1. tu hurt, injure
(vt), cause to suffer (from
kubabara), 2. to bother
ubw-ayi alcohol for med. purpose
asāngwa if
umw-ashi (imy-) 1. rafter, 2. tripod
aside acid
kw-ātīra (-ye) to gulp down water,
to gorge oneself
ukw-ātira 1. traditional initiation
ceremony, 2. dedication,
ordination, initiation
ku-babarirwa (-we) to be forgiven
im-babazi (im-) mercy
kw-āyura (-ye) to yawn
ku-babazwa (-we) te be caused to
kw-āza (-gije) to make narrow
suffer
kw-āzwa (-gijwe) to be made
i-babi (ama-) leaf
narrow
iki-babi (ibi-) leaf
ku-babuka (-tse) to be singed,
kw-ātirwa to gain (position)
ubw-āto (am-) 1. boat, 2.
traditional dugout canoe
(plural only used for indefinite
numbers)
amāto menshi = many boats, but
ubwāto bubiri = two boats
urw-āto (inz-) cup
neuralgia
B
ku-ba (-baye) 1. to be, 2. to
become, 3. to live
habaye iki? what happened?
uzoba ukoze thanks in advance
ku-ba agahore to be perfect
4
scorched
ku-babura (-ye) to singe, scorch,
burn quickly (vt)
ku-baburisha (-shije) to cause to
burn, burn with
uku-baburwa burn, scorch (from
kubabura)
ubu-babwe smell
umu-babwe (imi-) odor (of
scorched flesh or hair)
bācō that's so!
ku-badika (-tse) to transplant
ku-baduka (-tse) 1. to get up
quickly, 2. to grow well
ku-bāga (-ze) 1. tu butcher, to
slaughter, dress an animal, 2. to
operate
iki-bambāzi (ibi-) wall, partition
ku-bāndwa (-nzwe) 1. to dance in
honor of Kiranga, 2. to be devoted
to his service
bambe 1. excuse me (e.g. I said a
wrong word, misspoke myself), 2.
but rather (when correcting oneself) i-bānga (ama-) secret, mystery
ku-bāmbīsha (-shije) to cause to
crucify, to nail with
ku-bāmbura (-ye) 1. to remove
from cross, 2. to remove skin from
drying
ku-bāmbūrwa (-we) to be removed
from cross or pegs
i-bāmfu left hand, left side, left
ku-bānga (-nze) to be parallel
umu-bangabanga (imi-) lower jaw
uru-bangāngwe (im-) wheel (made
of wood or reeds long ago, now
bicycle wheel)
ku-bāngikana (-nye) 1. to be near,
adjacent, beside, 2. to be parallel
ku-bagara (-ye) to weed by hand
uku-bāmfu left hand, left side, left
ku-bāngikanya (-nije) 1. to start a
job before finishing the previous
one, 2. do two things at once, 3. to
place two things parallel, or side by
side
ku-bagarira (-ye) to weed for, at
ku-bamwo (-yemwo) to be inside
ku-bangira (-ye) 1. to hold out, 2.
ku-bagarwa (-we) to be weeded
ku-bāna (-nye) to live together
ku-bagaza (-je) to cause to weed
ku-bānda (-nze) 1. to press, 2. to
ku-bagabaga (-ze) to stroll about
as if one had nothing else to do
ku-bāgira (-ye) to butcher at, for
i-bāgiro (ama-) slaughtering place,
slaughterhouse
ku-bāgīsha (-shije) to cause to
butcher, butcher with
im-bāgwa (im-) victim
ku-bāgwa (-zwe) to be butchered,
to be slaughtered
ibu-bāmfu left hand, left side, left
ubu-bāmfu left hand, left side, left
crowd
concentrate, condense
ku-bāndana (-nye) to press, crowd
together
ku-bāndānya (-nije) 1. to continue
to go, to go further, 2. to continue
(vt)
aka-bānde (utu-) valley with no
water
blackboard, chalkboard
iki-bāndo (ibi-) 1. piece of wood
ku-baho (-bayeho) to be alive
for beating beans or grain, or for
closing a door, 2. crutch
kuba)
uru-bāho (im-) board, slate
ku-banduka (-tse) separate from
(vi)
ku-bāndūka (-tse) to rise (of sun)
umu-bāji (aba-) carpenter
(e.g. umutwēnzi urabandutse)
i-bakure (ama-) (Sw.) bowl
ku-bāndūra (-ye) 1. to pry up, 2.
i-bāmba (ama-) anything bitter,
cross person
ku-bāmba (-mvye) 1. to stretch out
skin to dry by putting sharpened
pegs around edges, 2. to crucify
ku-bāngiriza (-je) to take firm hold
of
aka-bāngo (utu-) little sliver
kwi-bānda (-nze) to compress,
iki-baho (ibi-) 1. wooden board, 2.
uku-baho (no pl.) existence (from
to offer
push out (e.g. wind bulges out
cloth), 3. to appear suddenly (as
sun at dawn)
im-bāndwa (im-) nature spirit
i-bāngo (ama-) 1. hole as for
planting beans in, 2. mark made by
hoe or axe, 3. chips, 4. assigned
task
uru-bāngo (im-) spear or stick
stuck in person or in ground, wire
ku-banguka (-tse) 1. to be easily
done, to be quickly done, 2. to do in
a hurry, 3. to be active, 4. to be
direct, 5. to be skillful
ku-bangura (-ye) 1. to grasp in
peparation to strike, 2. to prepare
oneself to strike
ku-bangūra (-ye) 1. to diminish, 2.
to relax, 3. to take another's place in
watching
ku-bangūranya (-nije) 1. to make
peace, 2. to separate fighters
ku-bangurira (-ye) to raise one's
arm to strike or to pull a bow
ubu-bangutsi ardour, fervour
i-banki (ama-) Bank
umu-bambāngwe (imi-) thorn tree
5
umu-bāno (imi-) 1. living together,
umu-barīro (imi-) seam, hem,
2. cooperation, 3. neighborhood
sewing
umu-bānyi (aba-) neighbor
ku-barirwa (-we) to be told
tree used for perfume
iki-bānza (ibi-) place, room
(space), building site
ku-barīrwa (-we) to be sewn
uru-bavu (im-) side (of person)
ku-bariza (-je) 1. to ask of, 2.
question for
bira-bāye it's enough! (from kuba)
i-barizo (ama-) 1. carpenter shop,
kuba)
ku-bānza (-nje) to begin by, to do
first
umu-bavu (imi-) (sg. rare) bark of
uru-bānza (pl. imanza) 1. trial, 2.
2. address
affair, 3. judgment, 4.
condemnation
aka-barore (utu-) evil example,
ku-banziriza (-je) to precede, begin
by
i-bara (ama-) 1. spot, 2. woe, 3.
suffering, 4. dishonor
ku-bara (-ze) to say, tell
i-bavu (ama-) callus, blister
ha-baye iki what happened? (from
ka-baza interrogative (grammar)
notorious character
ku-baruruka (-tse) 1. to come
unsewn, 2. to rip (vi), 3. to abandon
ku-barurura (-ye) 1. to unsew, 2. to
rip (vt)
ku-baza (-jije) 1. to ask question, to
question, 2. to interrogate (from
kubara), 3. to request
ku-bāza (-je) to plane, work with
wood
ku-bazagiza (-je) to ask many
i-baruwa (ama-) letter
questions
i-barabara (ama-) (Sw.) road
(correspondence, from Sw. barua)
im-baraga (im-) 1. strength, power,
i-base (ama-) basin (Fr. bassin)
other
ku-bāsha (-shije) to be able to
im-bazi (im-) leaves used for
(physically)
perfume
iki-barara (ibi-) 1. eggshell, 2.
ubu-bāsha (no pl.) 1. power, 2.
ku-bāzira (-ye) to plane at, for
broken gourd, 3. fragment
ability
uru-baraza (im-) (Sw.) porch,
basi enough!, it is enough, that's
verandah
fine
uru-bari (im-) 1. screen, 2. wire
im-bata (im-) duck (Sw. bata)
2. authority, 3. potency
im-baragasa (im-) flea
ku-bazānya (-nije) to ask each
i-bāziro (ama-) carpenter shop
iki-bazo (ibi-) 1. question, 2.
problem, challenge, 3. issue,
matter, 4. test, exam
imi-baribari grass growing beside
ku-bāta (-se) to be flat, flatten out
ntaki-bazo no problem (from
garden, thus luxuriant
(vi)
ikibazo)
ku-barira (-ye) 1. to tell, 2. to
i-bateri (ama-) battery
ku-bazwa (-jwe) 1. to be asked, 2.
inform, 3. to talk (from kubara)
ku-barīra (-riye) to sew, to stitch
up
ku-barirana (-nye) to tell each
other
aka-bāti (utu-) cupboard
i-bāti (ama-) sheet of metal (for
be examined
ku-bāzwa (-jwe) to be planed
roof)
im-beba (im-) mouse, rat
im-bāti (im-) duck
ku-beba (-vye) to stoke (fire)
ku-batirīsha (-shije) to baptize
im-beba y’ikizungu (im) guinea
over again
with
pig
ku-barīrira (-ye) to sew for
ku-batīsha (-shije) to flatten (vt)
i-bega (ama-) stoop shouldered
ku-bariritsa (-kije) to seek
ku-batīshwa (-shijwe) to be
guheta amabega to be hunch
shouldered
ku-baririkiza (-je) to ask over and
information about someone
flattened
ku-barīriza (-je) to have one sew
ku-batīza (-jije) to baptize
(e.g. bread)
for you
ku-batīzwa (-jijwe) to be baptized
iki-bege (ibi-) piece or slice
iki-bariro (ibi-) 1. time, moment, 2.
iki-batsi (ibi-) reflection of light
(bread)
ku-bātura (-ye) to transplant
iki-bēhe (ibi-) basin
destiny, deadline
6
ku-bega (-ze) to break off a piece
umu-bēhe (imi-) basin
im-beho (im-) 1. cold (weather), 2.
winter
imi-bēmbe leprosy
umunyamibēmbe leper
umu-bēmbe (aba-) leper
ku-bembeteranya (-nije) to try to
persuade someone in an
underhanded way
ku-bēshabesha (-she) to tell little
lies, to fool
ku-bēshaho (-shejeho) to cause to
live, give life to (from kuba)
ku-bigira ku mpaka to do it on
purpose (see impaka)
i-bigirānkana willfully,
intentionally, on purpose, willingly
ku-bēshana (-nye) to lie about
ku-bīha (-she) 1. to be sour, 2. to
each other
be bitter
ku-bēshera (-ye) to lie about
ku-bika (-tse) 1. to announce the
ku-bēsherwa (-we) to be lied about
ubu-bēshi (no pl.) lying
death of someone, 2. to crow
ku-bīka (-tse) to put away, to store,
save
ku-bembetereza (-je) to tell
someone something indirectly in
order not to hurt him
umu-bēshi (aba-) liar
ku-betera (-ye) to put yeast in beer
ku-bikira (-ye) to announce to
someone about a death
i-bendera (ama-) flag, banner
i-beto concrete (Fr.)
ku-bīkira (-ye) to put away for
bēne (adj.) like
uru-beya (im-) flame
i-bēnga (ama-) gulf
iki-bēzi (ibi-) axe
ku-bīkīra (-ye) 1. to book (a room,
hotel) 2. to fix place for new baby,
3. to wrap up baby
ku-bēnga (-nze) to refuse (esp. girl
to refuse to marry a certain man)
--bi (adj.) 1. bad, 2. dirty, 3. ugly
ku-bīkīsha (-shije) to help to put
iki-bēngebēnge (ibi-) ray of
iki-bi (ibi-) that which is bad, evil
sunshine, heat
n'ama-bi I'm not fine (from -bi)
ku-bēnguka (-tse) 1. to fall in love,
2. to choose a spouse
ubu-bi (no pl.) 1. evil, 2. ugliness
ku-bēngūka (-tse) 1. to change
(esp. color), 2. to fade
ku-bēnja (-nje) 1. to ripen, 2.
become yellow or reddish
ku-bēnjūka (-tse) 1. to fade, 2.
become pale, yellowish green, 3. to
change color
ku-bera (-reye) 1. to be unjust, 2.
umu-bi (aba-) bad person
i-biba (no pl.) time for planting
small grains
ku-biba (-vye) to plant (small
seeds), to sow
uru-bibe (im-) 1. limit, 2. boundary
iki-bibi (ibi-) birthmark
apt (prepositional form of kuba)
bibiriyoteke library
ku-beragura (-ye) to hatch (vt)
ku-bibīsha (-shije) to cause to
plant
umu-bidadi (aba-) homosexual
becomingly, 2. to be worthy of, 3.
to merit
ku-bēsha (-she) to lie
uku-bikūra withdrawal (econ.)
(from gukūra)
umu-biligi (Aba-) Belgian person
ku-bīmba (-mvye) to froth
umu-bīmba (imi-) green bean
iki-bīndi (ibi-) water pot (of clay)
umu-bīndi (imi-) tall clay pot for
carrying water
aka-bindo (utu-) napkin, sanitary
--bere (adv.) ahead
ku-bērwa (-we) 1. to be dressed
umu-biko (imi-) comb of chicken
mouth
ku-bēra (-bereye) to be suitable,
iki-bero (ibi-) upper thigh, lap
bank account
ku-bīmba ifuro to froth at the
bibiliya Bible
ku-bibira (-ye) to plant at, for
ama-bērebēre breast milk
ubu-bīko (ama-) 1. cupboard, 2.
ku-bīkwa (-tswe) to be put away
to favor unjustly
i-bēre (ama-) breast
away, cause to put away
person, gay
towel
i-bīngira (ama-) wolf-like dog
i-bido (ama-) can, canister (from
Fr. bidon)
im-biga (im-) edge, brim (of dish,
container)
uru-biga (im-) edge, brim (of dish,
container)
7
(wild)
iki-bīngo (ibi-) reed
iki-bīngo-bīngo (ibi-) reed
umu-bīngo-bīngo (imi-) reed
ku-bīngūra (-ye) 1. to slap in the
face, 2. to sideswipe
to another
iki-bira (ibi-) forest
iki-bitswe (ibi-) stock (from
ku-bira (-ze) 1. to boil (vi), 2. to
iki-bītsanyo (ibi-) a thing entrusted
ku-bohera (-ye) to tie at, for
kubīkwa)
ferment
umu-bivyi (aba-) sower, planter
umu-bira (imi-) fresh beer (with
ku-biza (-jije) to boil (vt)
froth)
ku-boheka (-tse) to be easily tied
im-bizi (im-) 1. tiny stream of
i-bohero (ama-) prison
ku-boherwa (-we) to be tied at,
because of
ku-bohēsha (-sheje) to tie with,
cause to tie
ku-bira icuya to perspire, to sweat
water, 2. spring, source
birariziyoze billharcia
--bo (adj.) them
with, caused to be tied
ubu-bire (no pl.) boiling
umu-bo (aba-) person of a
uru-boho (im-) package, packet
--biri (adj.) two
ka-biri (adj.) twice
umu-biri (imi-) 1. body, 2. flesh
particular region of Burundi
uru-bobi (im-) scum
i-bōbo (ama-) beseeching
gukoma ibōbo to beg earnestly
umu-birigi (Aba-) Belgian person
ku-bobōka (-tse) 1. to be full of air
im-birika (im-) teakettle
(as ball), 2. to be full (having
eaten)
ku-birika (-tse) to throw stick on
ground which tumbles end over end ku-bobōta (-se) to plead earnestly
for something
umu-birikira (imi-) funnel
ku-bobōtereza (-je) 1. to ask for
iki-birīti (ibi-) box of matches
daily, secretly, 2. to tell something
in a kind, easy way
i-biro 1. office, 2. desk
ku-bobōteza (-je) to speak very
i-biro bikukira ibindi agency
beseechingly
(branch of a bank)
im-boga (im-) leafy vegetable
ku-bisa (-shije) to make place,
allow to pass
ku-bōga (-ze) 1. to spit up milk (of
baby), 2. to be full, 3. to be
ku-bīsha (-hije) to make bitter,
overflowing
sour
uru-boga (no pl.) one vegetable
--bisi (adj.) 1. raw, uncooked, 2.
(single plant)
fresh, 3. cold, cool, 4. wet
ibi-bōgabōga (no sing.) overflow
i-bisi (ama-) bus, coach
ku-bōgabōga (-ze) to overflow, be
ku-bisīkanya (-nije) 1. to cross, 2.
full to overflowing
make place for one another to pass
ku-bogeka (-tse) to start to head up
ku-bisiriza (-je) to stand in a
(of grains)
certain place to allow another to
pass
im-bogo (im-) buffalo
bitāyeko (conj.) in order that,
moreover, furthermore
ku-bohōka (-tse) to come untied
ku-bohōra (-ye) to untie (from
kuboha)
ku-bohwa (-shwe) to be tied
uku-boke (ama-) arm
uku-boko (ama-) arm
i-boma (Sw.) judgment hall,
government offices
ku-bōmba (-mvye) to imbibe,
drink in
im-bōmbāne (im-) tight place, very
narrow place
ku-bōmbeka (-tse) to be in water,
to absorb
ku-bōmboka (-tse) 1. to swell up,
2. get big (e.g. skin in water), 3. get
soft in water (from kubomba)
ku-bomborana (-nye) 1. to make a
great noise, 2. strike together (vi)
ku-bomboranya (-nije) 1. to clash
together, 2. to strike (vt)
im-bombovu (im-) furniture,
possessions
ku-bona (-nye) to see
uru-bona (im-) transparent, shiny
ku-bogora (-ye) to read aloud
thing
ku-boha (-she) to tie, to bind
iki-bonamaso (ibi-) reward for
ku-bītsa (-kije) to entrust, leave
something with someone (from
kubika)
ku-bohēshwa (-shejwe) to be tied
ku-bohana (-nye) to tie each other
im-bohe (im-) prisoner
8
finding something
ku-bonana (-nye) to see each other
tuzo-bonana see you!
im-bonankubone (im-) face to
face, vision
iki-bondo (ibi-) small child
ku-borōga (-ze) 1. to wail, 2. cry
out for help, 3. to moan, 4. rumble
in stomach
ku-borōgera (-ye) to cry to for
ku-bondōka (-tse) 1. to be
stretched out, 2. to be bloated
help
ku-boneka (-tse) 1. to appear, be
aka-borōgo 1. cry, 2. moaning
(from kuborōga)
visible, to seem, 2. to be accessible,
available, obtainable
ubu-boneke (no pl.) appearance
ku-bonekera (-ye) to appear to
ku-bonekēsha (-sheje) to place in
sight
ku-bonera (-ye) to see for, find at,
buhoro (adv.) 1. slowly, 2. slightly,
lightly
buhoro-buhoro (adv.) 1. very
slowly, 2. little by little, 3. gently,
4. carefully, 5. softly, lightly,
slightly
(from kuborōga)
buja 1. master, 2. Bujumbura (short
form or slang)
databuja my master
mabuja my mistress
umu-boyi (aba-) house worker
i-buji (ama-) candle (from Fr.
ama-borōgo wailing, mourning
(rude, derogative), house boy
uru-bōyi (im-) bee sting
ku-boza (-jeje) to rot, spoil (vt)
bougie)
ku-bukabuka (-tse) 1. to be very
kind to, 2. to take very good care of
spoil
bukebuke (adv.) slowly, little by
little, step by step (from -ke)
transparent, clear
umu-bu (imi-) mosquito
bukumbi suddenly (as death or
im-bonero (im-) pupil of eye
uru-bu (im-) 1. turn, 2. yogurt, sour
milk (clabbered, unskimmed), 3.
sour taste
bulamatāri (Sw.) government
ku-bonesha (-sheje) to cause to
umu-buba (imi-) brass bracelet
i-būmba (ama-) clay
TV
uru-bubi (im-) scum
aka-bōnge (no pl.) 1. sadness,
sorrow, 2. vacation, 3. depression
ku-būbika (-tse) to blister (vi)
ku-būmba (-mvye) 1. to mold,
work with clay (bricks, pottery), 2.
to satisfy, 3. be sufficient for
im-boni (im-) pupil of eye
iki-buga (ibi-) 1. courtyard, 2.
playground, 3. grounds
round (as ball)
iki-bonobono (ibi-) castor bean
im-buga (im-) place for spreading
ku-būmbira (-ye) to mold at, for
see by
ku-bonerana (-nye) to be
see, to show
im-boneshakure (im-) television,
ku-bonwa (-nywe) to be seen,
ku-bozwa (-jejwe) to be caused to
out grain
found
uru-buga (im-) 1. web, 2. website
ku-bora (-ze) to rot, spoil (vi)
iki-buga ca basket basketball field
uku-bora 1. decay, 2. something
rotten (from kubora)
iki-buga c'indege airport
iki-buga c’umupira w’amaguru
ku-borera (-ye) to spoil at
football field
ku-borēra (-ye) to make drunk
ku-bugiriza (-je) to make a big
i-borēro (ama-) place of rotted
accident)
official
ku-būmbabūmba (-mvye) to make
ku-būmbīsha (-shije) to cause to
mold, mold with
ku-būmbūra (-ye) to open (mouth
or book)
ku-būmbwa (-bwe) to be molded
umu-būmvyi (aba-) potter,
noise to hinder others from hearing
things
im-bugita (im-) knife
im-borērwa (im-) drunken person,
iki-bugu (ibi-) big fly (like
drunkard
horsefly), tsetse
ku-borērwa (-we) to be drunk
im-bugu (im-) vaccination
ku-borēza (-je) to make drunk
ku-bugura (-ye) to pay a fee
im-boro (im-) penis (Sw.)
iki-buguro (ibi-) fee, bribe
ku-buguza (-je) to collect fees
9
brickmaker
iki-būnda (ibi-) pup, puppy, young
of small animal
im-būnda (im-) puppy, young of
small animal
ku-būndabūnda (-nze) 1. to hide
oneself, 2. sneak along, 3. to go
along stooped over
ku-bundikīra (-ye) 1. to hatch (vt),
2. to brood, 3. to incubate
iki-bundugura (ibi-) healthy child
iki-bunduguru (ibi-) healthy child
of about 4 months old
i-bundūki (ama-) gun (from Sw.
bunduki)
buramatāri (Sw.) government
official
i-butura (ama-) (Sw.) shorts
i-būrana (ama-) case, trial
ku-būrana (-nye) to plead a cause
ku-būranira (-ye) to plead the case
ku-būnga (-nze) 1. to be often sick
of, at, in place of, to intercede for
( indwara irambungamwo) 2. to
search for a buyer, 3. to aggravate a
fight
ku-buranirwa (-niwe) to be hungry
ku-būngabūnga (-nze) to watch
over, protect, take care of
ku-būngira (-ye) 1. to search for a
umu-buto (imi-) sweet potato vines
aka-buyē (utu-) pebble, little stone
i-buye (ama-) stone
iki-buye (ibi-) rock
aka-buyēnge (utu-) small round
after hunting for food in various
places
stone
ku-būranīsha (-shije) to hear the
prevent, suppress, 2. to forbid, to
prohibit
case
im-būrano (im-) conversation,
ku-buza (-jije) 1. to hinder,
ku-buzwa (-jijwe) to be hindered,
buyer for, at, 2. to move to a new
chieftanchip in order to be with a
certain person
discussion
prevented
umu-būrano (imi-) conversation,
im-bwa (im-) dog
ku-būngirana (-nye) 1. to share,
discussion
imbwakazi female dog
have things in common, 2. to visit a
friend
ku-būranya (-nije) to defend
ubu-bwa (no pl.) bringing reproach
oneself, take case to chief
on others
ku-būngwa (-nzwe) 1. to be
ku-būranya (-nye) 1. to defend
ku-bwagura (-ye) to give birth to,
wormy, 2. to have weevils
oneself when accused, 2. to take
case to chief or court
to litter (as dog, etc.)
aka-burarugero (no pl.) limitless,
Bwāna (Sw.) Mr., Sir, master
uku-bungwa 1. caries, 2. decay (of
teeth) (from kubungwa)
buno (conj.) then
iki-buno (ibi-) bottom, bum
measureless
i-burasirazūba east, to the east,
im-bwakazi (im-) female dog, bitch
iki-bwāna (ibi-) puppy
eastwards
im-bwēbwe (im-) jackal, fox
i-burēngerazūba west, westwards
i-bwēna (ama-) cuspid tooth
find, 3. to miss, 4. to lose control
over
i-buri (ama-) hill of earth to plant
im-bwīja (im-) leafy vegetable of a
something in
certain sort
ku-būra (-ze) 1. to warn of danger,
ku-būrira (-ye) 1. to tell what's
ku-bwīra (-ye) to tell
going to happen, 2. to announce,
notify, inform, 3. to warn of danger
ku-bwīrana (-nye) to tell each other
buntu (adj.) human
ku-bura (-ze) 1. to lack, 2. fail to
2. to announce something
uku-bura lacking, absence
uru-bura (no pl.) hail
buroca goodbye
aka-burūngu (utu-) 1. period, full
uku-bura amaraso anemia
stop, (punctuation), 2. little dot
ku-bura Shinge na Rugero to lose
im-burūngu (im-) 1. round thing,
circle, 2. nothing
control, to fail badly (Shinge and
Rugero are two strategic hills that
Rwanda lost to Burundi in a
famous historic battle between the
two kingdoms)
ku-burungushura (-ye) to be
round, to make round
i-bushi very, very far away
im-burabwenge (im-) senseless
i-butike (ama-) boutique, shop,
one
kiosk
im-burakimazi (im-) worthless
im-buto (im-) 1. seed, 2. plant, 3.
thing or person
fruit
ku-bwīririkanya (-nije) to be in
agreement
ku-bwīririza (-je) to command for,
on the part of
ku-bwīriza (-je) to command (from
kubwira)
ubu-bwīriza (no pl.) office,
authority
i-bwīrizwa (ama-) command, law
ku-bwīrizwa (-jwe) to be
commanded
10
ku-bwīrwa (-we) to be told
bwīte (adv.) indeed, truly, in fact
C
gu-ca (-ciye) 1. to cut, to sever, 2.
to rip off, 3. to break, 4. to reach
menopause, 5. to pass through
(used in many idioms)
gu-cāguka (-tse) 1. to be left over,
2. to be more than enough
umu-cānwa (imi-) a little fire,
spark, fever
gu-cakīra (-ye) 1. to seize, 2. to
take, 3. to grab, 4. to catch, to
capture
design
ama-cakubiri separation, division
design
umu-camānza (aba-) judge
gu-capura (-ye) (Sw.) 1. to take a
umu-camatēka (aba-) judge
igi-capo (ibi-) (Sw.) 1. picture, 2.
igi-capu (ibi-) (Sw.) 1. picture, 2.
picture, 2. draw a picture
gu-ca (-keye) 1. to be day, to dawn,
gu-cambagirana (-nye) 1. to stir
2. to be clean, pure
around, 2. to struggle, 3. to not stay
bwakeye good morning
in place
ubu-ca dawn
ama-cāmbwa middle of many
gu-ca i musozi to go by land rather things, in the midst of
than cross stream or lake
umu-cāmo (imi-) foot of mountain
gu-ca inoni to finger snap
igi-camunsi (ibi-) afternoon
gu-ca itēka 1. to correct, 2. to
gu-cāna (-nye) 1. to make a fire, to
judge
kindle, 2. to turn against one you've
ugu-ca kubiri n'amategeko 1.
loved
disloyalty, 2. infidelity
ugu-cāna ignition
gu-ca umuzingi to circle, to make
umu-cance (aba-) husband,
a circle
married man (from ince =hymen,
gu-ca urubānza to judge
lit. one who broke the hymen)
igi-ce (ibi-) 1. half, 2. part, fraction,
division, 3. piece, slice, 4. chapter
gu-ca ururāsago making incisions, ugu-candaga vaccination
cuts to treat sick person (trad.
cane (adv.) 1. much, 2. very,
med.)
rather, 3. exceedingly, 4. really, 5.
in-cābiti (in-) axe
too, 6. a lot
umu-ceri (imi-) rice
i-ci (no pl.) 1. dry season, 2.
summer
ama-cāca dawn
cane cane 1. very much, 2.
amputated
ga-caca traditional trial headed by
especially
gu-cibwamwo (-wemwo) to have
local elders
umu-cāngero (aba-) paid worker
diarrhea
gu-caca (-ce) 1. to question, 2. to
examine, 3. to ask another to repeat
to check his veracity
gu-cānira (-ye) 1. to keep a fire
ugu-cibwamwo diarrhea
going, 2. to make fire for (for
someone or cows etc.)
igi-caniro (ibi-) 1. altar, 2. fire
gu-cīka (-tse) 1. to break (vi), 2. to
tear (vi), 3. to melt (vi), 4. to
become, 5. to escape
made in enclosure for animals
gu-cīka ivutu 1. to lose one's head,
gu-cānīrwa (-we) to be hot
2. to be terrified
gu-cacūra (-ye) 1. to cut in even
lengths, 2. to sort good grain from
bad
ubu-cafu dirtiness
umu-cafu (imi-) rubbish, garbage
gu-cafura (-ye) to be dirty
gu-cagagura (-ye) to break to bits,
chop up in pieces
gu-cagatira (-ye) to be almost full
(e.g. waterpot)
umu-cānka (imi-) (Sw.) gravel
cānke or
umu-ce (imi-) division, section,
group
uru-cekeri (in-) career
gu-cēkūka (-tse) to be pale, pallid
imi-cekwa things of no value
sorted out from good things
aga-cerere (no pl.) silence
gu-cerērwa (-we) to be late
gu-cereza (-je) 1. to be silent, 2. to
silence
igi-ceri (ibi-) coin (Sw.)
gu-cībwa (-bwe) to be cut, to be
gu-cīkāna (-nye) 1. to die, 2. to
agonize
gu-cikira (-ye) to move to another
umu-cāno (imi-) division, hatred
where there has been love
gu-cānwa (-nywe) to be lighted,
chieftanship, to move away or
escape (because of famine for
example)
gu-cīkira (-ye) 1. to bend over,
bend the foot, 2. to elope, go to
burned
11
husband without being properly
married
in-cīkire (in-) newcomer
umu-cīkire (aba-) newcomer
gu-cikiriza (-je) to drop out (of
school)
gu-cīkiza (-je) 1. to talk with
someone to try to persuade her to
elope, 2. to take wife without
marrying her properly
gu-cokera (-ye) to be immersed,
plunge
gu-cokeza (-je) to immerse, plunge
in (vt)
i-cumbi (ama-) 1. dormitory, 2.
guest room
gu-cūmbika (-tse) 1. to camp, 2. to
stay temporarily
gu-cōkōra (-ye) 1. to despise, 2. to
gu-cūmbira (-ye) to make bread at,
slander
for
umu-cōkōranyi (aba-) slanderer,
gu-cūmbīsha (-shije) to cause to
one who scorns others
knead, knead with
in-conco (in-) iconco small horn
used for tobacco
umu-cumbisho (imi-) large
wooden spoon
gu-cimbataza (-je) 1. to cause to
arrive, 2. to bring to pass, 3. to
multiply
in-coreke (in-) girl servant
gu-cūmbwa (-mbwe) to be
gu-cīra (-riye) 1. to determine, 2. to
aga-cu (udu-) small cloud
think, 3. to spit, expectorate
igi-cu (ibi-) cloud
gu-cīra amate to spit
ibi-cuba pastoral singing,
gu-cīra inyeri to show contempt by
spitting out
traditional sung poetry in honor of
cattle
other
gu-ciririka (-tse) to be energetic,
gu-cūcagira (-ye) to sprinkle (vt)
gu-cumitira (-ye) to pierce at, for
agile
gu-cūcagiza (-je) to sprinkle with,
aga-cīro (udu-) something
help to sprinkle
kneaded
--cu (adj.) us
cumi (adj.) ten
i-cumi (adj.) ten, ten times
gu-cumita (-se) to pierce
gu-cumitana (-nye) to pierce each
another
gu-cumitīsha (-shije) to cause to
pierce, pierce with
precious, valuable
gu-cucuma (-mye) to stir, mix
igi-cīro (ibi-) 1. price, rate, 2. cost,
thoroughly
gu-cumitwa (-swe) to be pierced
3. value
igi-cucume (ibi-) puree
i-cumu (ama-) spear
gu-cirwakw itēka to be condemned
gu-cudika (-tse) 1. to be
reconciled, 2. to have fellowship or
friendship with
gu-cumukura (-ye) 1. to suffer, to
have pain, 2. to fail, 3. to be in
distress, 4. to work hard
igi-cugu (ibi-) midnight
ubu-cumukure toil, labor, distress
i-co (no pl.) dirt
gu-cūka (-tse) 1. to dry up
gu-cumura (-ye) 1. to sin, 2. to
igi-co (ibi-) division, section,
(breasts), 2. to be weaned (baby)
commit a crime
segment, group, troop
i-cukiro (ama-) manure heap
igi-cumuro (ibi-) 1. sin, 2. crime
imi-co (no pl.) 1. character, 2.
umu-cūko (aba-) weaned child
gu-cuna (-nnye) to ask
persistently, although refused
ru-citeme traditional sacred drum
"for whom one clears brush", kept
at Gishora
habits, 3. mood
umu-co (imi-) 1. light, daylight
(sunny), 2. division, section, group,
troop
gu-cobogora (-ye) 1. to become
poor after wealth, 2. to be tired and
discouraged
gu-cobogoza (-je) 1. to wear out
(vt), 2. to exhaust, 3. to exaggerate,
4. to speak hatefully to another, 5.
to tarnish, besmirch, smirch
aga-cūku (no pl.) something that
stinks
gu-cukūmbura (-ye) 1. to explore,
2. to navigate the internet
gu-cuna (-nye) 1. to be fortunate,
lucky, free from trouble when
others are having it, 2. to be
carefree,
gu-cūmba (-mvye) 1. to make
bread, 2. to mix (dough), 2. to
knead
question carefully
gu-cumbagira (-ye) 1. to limp, 2.
gu-cunaguza (-je) 1. to persist, 2.
to question carefully
to be lame
gu-cunaguriza (-je) 1. to persist, 2.
gu-cuncubura (-ye) 1. to dump all
out at once, 2. to spill
12
ibi-cunduguta mood, temper
i-cunga (ama-) orange (fruit)
igi-curi (ibi-) part, half, premature
D
arrival
gu-curika (-tse) to turn upside
da (my) father (short form of dawe)
down or wrong end to, to be upside
down or wrong end to
in-da (in-) 1. stomach, 2.
pregnancy, 3. louse
intention or place
gu-curikanya (-nye) to speak evil
gu-cūngura (-ye) to redeem, to
of one another
ransom, to save
gu-curikiranya (-nije) to place
in-dabe (in-) barkcloth with
painted spots, used as a thing of
worship
gu-cūngurira (-ye) to redeem at,
for
objects together in irregular fashion
– end for end
gu-cūngurwa (-we) to be
gu-curira (-ye) to forge at, for
ku-dadarara (-ye) 1. to be rigid,
straight, hard, 2. to refuse to
acknowledge one's wrong
redeemed
gu-curīra (-riye) 1. to call to
uru-dadi (in-) syllable
gu-cūnguza (-je) to redeem with
someone that cannot answer, 2. to
make fun of someone by recalling
the good he has lost
ku-dadika (-tse) 1. to not accept
judgment rendered, 2. to be
contrary
gu-cūrira (-ye) to send woman
back to her husband when she's
gone home
ku-dadira (-ye) 1. to lock one up,
in-cūngu (in-) ransom
gu-cungūra (-ye) to leave an
umu-cūnguzi (aba-) redeemer
umu-cūngwa (imi-) orange (fruit)
umu-cūngwe (imi-) orange (fruit)
aga-cupa (udu-) little jar, small
bottle
gu-curīra intimba to sing or play a
2. to tie firmly
ku-dadura (-ye) to untie, set free
sad song
ku-daga (-ze) to tie securely
gu-curīsha (-shije) to cause to
forge, forge with
ku-dāga (-ze) 1. to be amused
(child), 2. to enjoy oneself
gu-cūra (-ye) 1. to marry a widow
gu-curūra (-ye) to turn right side
in-dagala (in-) little fish
and go to her kraal, 2. to bring a
wife back that's gone home, 3. to
lead or send back (esp. cows), 4. to
address the people (used only of
king or other authority)
up
gu-cūra umwiza to be dark
umu-curuzi (aba-) trader,
i-cupa (ama-) (Sw.) bottle
gu-cura (-ze) to forge metal
gu-curagiza (-je) to trade
gu-curama (-mye) 1. to bow down,
2. to lie on one's side, 3. to be
placed wrong end to
in-dagano (in-) pledge, promise
gu-cururīsha (-shije) to use
something to make profit
gu-curuza (-je) to trade
businessman
iki-curuzwa (ibi-) goods, trading
goods, merchandise, product to sell
gu-curwa (-zwe) to be forged
gu-curamika (-tse) to turn upside
in-cuti (in-) 1. relative, 2. close
down
friend (old)
igi-curane (ibi-) 1. influenza, flu,
gu-cūtsa (-kije) to wean
2. common cold (usually used in
pl.: ibicurane)
in-dagara (in-) small fish
iki-dage German language (used in
northern region of Burundi)
umu-dage (aba-) German (person)
(used in northern region of
Burundi)
iki-dagi German language
Ubu-dagi Germany
umu-dagi (aba-) German (person)
(referring to the German greeting
'Guten Tag')
gu-curanguza (-je) to boss around
gu-cūza (-jije) to remind
in-dagu (in-) divination
(maliciously) of one who is dead, or
umu-dagu (imi-) oracle
something forgotten
gu-curarānga (-nze) to play a
umu-cuzi (aba-) metal worker,
musical instrument
blacksmith
ku-dāguza (-je) 1. to go
uncertainly, 2. to stumble
umu-curarānzi (aba-) harper, one
cyangwa or (Kinyarwanda, used in
in-daha (in-) big bag
who plays instrument
northern Burundi)
ku-daha (-she) 1. to draw or dip
water, 2. cause to vomit
13
ku-dahira (-ye) to bring water
in-dahiro (in-) oath, pledge, sworn
statement
ku-dahīsha (-shije) to dip water
with
ku-dahwa (-shwe) to vomit
uku-dahwa vomitting
i-dāmba (no pl.) in the middle
(lake, river)
iki-dāmbidāmbi (ibi-) one who
deliberately misunderstands
in-damukanyo (in-) greeting
ku-dandahirwa (-we) to be drunk
enough to feel superior
dāta wacu (ba) my/our paternal
oncle
dātabuja (ba-) my/our master,
my/our employer
in-dāva (in-) 1. footstool, 2. very
nice mat (used by king or chief)
in-dāvyi (In-) God (who is all-
seeing)
dāwe (ba-) my, our father
ku-dayadaya (-ye) 1. to be very
happy, 2. to be untroubled, 3. go
gaily
ku-dayāngwa (-nzwe) 1. to act
foolish, 2. to tease
ku-degemwa (-mwe) to shiver,
shake, tremble in fear
ku-deha (-she) 1. to be lazy, 2. to
refuse to give the name of a dead
person
ku-dehūra (-ye) 1. to lose one's
zeal or enthusiasm, 2. to fail to do
what you intended
in-demano (in-) 1. created thing, 2.
barkcloth garment, 3. nicely made
basket, 4. news
ku-demwademwa (-mwe) to be
soft and springy (as earth in
swamp)
i-dayimoni (i-) demon
ku-dēnda (-nze) to be too big for
(e.g. garment)
ubu-dandaji trade, business
ku-debagura (-ye) 1. to speak
umu-dende (imi-) small cylindrical
umu-dandaji (aba-) trader,
foolishly, 2. to be unintelligent, 3.
to be ignorant (used in NT for
barbarous)
bell
businessman
ku-dāndaza (-je) 1. to sell, 2. to
trade, buy and resell
umu-dāndaza (aba-) trader,
businessman
i-dēbe (ama-) (Sw.) square tin
container
in-debuye (in-) long narrow sack
uru-dēnde (no pl.) 1. one solitary
thing, 2. singular (gram.)
ku-dendebukirwa (-we) 1. to be
weak, 2. to be tired without reason,
3. to be faint
for food
ku-dendekanya (-nye) to make
dede (adv.) absolutely, certainly
excuses
businessman
aka-dede (utu-) small beads, pearls
iki-dandazwa (ibi-) merchandise,
ubu-dede (no pl.) beads, big perls
ku-dendekeranya (-nije) 1. to
make excuses, to exonerate oneself,
2. to lie, 3. to deceive
product to sell
ku-dedēmba (-mvye) 1. to be
ku-dandikanya (-nije) to twist
delirious, 2. to rave
fibers in making thread or rope
ku-dedēmvya (-mvye) 1. to make
delirious, 2. to ask stupid or
indiscreet questions
uru-dāndaza trade, business
umu-dāndazi (aba-) trader,
i-dāri (ama-) 1. ceiling, 2. attic
umu-dari (imi-) medal (sports)
in-dāro (in-) inn, lodging,
accommodation
in-dāsago (in-) 1. vaccination, 2.
incision, 3. scar (from cuts made in
treating sick person)
ku-dashoboka (-tse) to be
impossible
ubu-dasība ceaselessly
dāta (ba-) my, our father
uru-dedemvya (in-) medicine to
make one talk freely, release
inhibitions
in-dēge (in-) (Sw.) airplane
ku-dendereza (-je) 1. to persecute,
2. accuse falsely
aka-denderezo (no pl.) persecution
uru-dēndevu (in-) weak, faltering
person, anything very soft (lacking
stiffness)
ku-dēndūka (-tse) 1. to die, perish
(esp. of one who has been ill for a
long time), 2. to break completely
(bone) (vi)
aka-degedege (utu-) child learning
to walk, toddler, kid
iki-dēngēri (ibi-) pool, place where
water has overflowed its banks,
iki-degedege (ibi-) child learning
floods
to walk, toddler, kid
i-deni (ama-) debt
ku-dēgedwa (-zwe) to shiver,
shake, tremble in fear
derere (adj.) very white
in-deretsi (in-) 1. supervisor, 2. spy
14
umu-dereva (aba-) driver,
in-dirīmbo (in-) 1. song, hymn, 2.
chauffeur
singing
i-dēri (ama-) pretty girl
umu-deri (aba-) 1. designer, 2.
ku-diririmba (-vye) to run like a
in-dome (in-) 1. dot, spot, 2. letter,
3. spotted barkcloth used as a thing
of worship
ku-domeka (-tse) to light, to kindle
little child
(fire, lamp)
fashion designer, 3. stylist
i-dirisha (ama-) (Sw.) window
in-dero (in-) 1. education, teaching,
i-diva (ama-) couch, divan
instruction, training, 2. rearing of
children, 3. discipline
stamp spot
i-diyama (i-) diamond
ku-dōnda (-nze) 1. to narrate, 2.
in-deruzo (in-) stretcher
in-dobeke (in-) anything that is
tell events one after another, 3. to
relate
ku-desa (-she) embroider
different from others in group
ku-dobera (-ye) to sink (as in
iki-domēsho (ibi-) article used to
in-dondahwaniro (in-) preposition
ku-dibama (-ye) to have abundance water)
(gram.)
ku-dibuka (-ye) to fall (into water
ku-dōbēra (-ye) to walk about in
ku-dondōra (-ye) to describe
or food)
house without permission
ku-didagira (-ye) to have
palpitations (med.), to have heart
racing
ku-dobeza (-je) to drown (vt)
ku-dondōza (-je) to ask for
particulars or a description
in-dobo (in-) bucket, pail
in-dongōramvugo (in-) grammar
ku-didagizwa (-jwe) to pound
ku-doda (-ze) to tap, strike, rap,
in-dōngōzi (in-) leader
(heart)
strike one article against another
i-dono (i-) large bow like
ku-dīgadīga (-ze) to tickle
iki-dode (ibi-) fine copper wire
monochord instrument with
calabashes as resonance body
iki-digi (ibi-) swamp, marsh
iki-dodi (ibi-) fine copper wire
ubu-dīgidīgi (no pl.) tickling
ku-dodomwa (-mwe) to have
sensation
diarrhea
ku-digiriza (-je) 1. to threaten, 2. to
dogiteri doctor
frighten, 3. to boast over another
in-dogoba (in-) donkey
in-digiti traditional monochord
in-dogobwe (in-) donkey
fiddle
ku-doha (-she) to be fat, to become
in-dihaguzi (in-) heartbeat, pulse
fat
in-dimanya (in-) one who goes
ku-dohesha (-sheje) to make fat
about lying and deceiving
in-dono (in-) large bow like
monochord instrument with
calabashes as resonance body
aka-donongo (utu-) traditional
small fiddle, small monochord
instrument
in-donongo (ama-) rare
monochord fiddle, played against
the collarbone, the open mouth
serving as a second sounding board
i-donzi (ama-) deep jungle
ku-dohōka (-tse) 1. to come apart
in-dimiro (in-) field
in-dimisho (in-) hoe
in-dimu (in-) (Sw.) lemon
in-dimwe (in-) family
abavandimwe family members
i-dīni (ama-) religion
ku-diridimba (-mvye) to run like a
little child
ku-dirigiza (-je) to hurry (of child
only)
(e.g. chains), 2. to escape, 3. to get
thin
ku-doma (-mye) to mark, print,
stamp, put spots on something
ku-domagiza (-je) to put dots on
ku-domagura (-ye) to put many
dots on
i-dorari (ama-) dollar
in-dorerezi (in-) extra finger or toe,
or teat on cow
in-dōto (in-) dream
uru-dubi (in-) that which a person
says or does for which he may be
convicted, result of failure to keep
promise, dilemma, difficulty
ku-domagurwa (-we) to be
marked, dotted
i-dubu bear
ku-dōmbagiza (-je) to choose
ku-dudubiza (-je) to pour forth
water (as a spring)
things or people from group not in
consecutive order
15
ku-dūga (-ze) 1. to go up (as a
hill), to ascend, 2. to rise (as bread,
or anything containing leaven), 3.
to increase
umu-duga (imi-) automobile,
vehicle
umu-dūgo (imi-) hill, ascent
ku-dugudwa (-zwe) 1. to tremble
of fear, 2. to be a coward
in-dugūmba (in-) heat
i-duka (ama-) little shop (Sw.)
in-dwāra y'agahehera bronchitis
in-dwāra y'ibitēga person is
bewitched and acts like a crazy
person
in-dwāra y'igisukari diabetes
in-dwāra yo mu mahaha
bronchitis
ēgo yes
urw-ēgo (inz-) 1. prop, 2. aim,
purpose
problems
ēgo me (emphatically) yes!
in-dya (in-) food
ēgome (emphatically) yes!
in-dyārya (in-) flattery, hypocrisy
kw-eguka (-tse) 1. to fall down
from above, 2. to die suddenly, 3.
to stretch (vi)
world, 2. environment, surrounding
(usually used in pl., from gukīkiza)
E
ku-duma (-mye) to buzz
ak-ēbo (utw-) 1. little basket, 2.
basketry, wickerwork
in salt
alive, 2. to be well (often used of
old people)
urw-edengwe women's dance,
characterized by movement of the
shoulders, Ngozi and Buyenzi
regions
ku-dunduhirwa (-we) 1. to be 'fed
kw-egamika (-tse) to lean against
up' with something, 2. to be
disgusted with something because
of its frequency
(vt)
ku-dūndēga (-ze) 1. to be still
Egiputa Egypt (Fr.)
ēgo gwose (emphatically) yes!
in-dwāra y'umutima heart
iki-dukikije (ibi-) 1. nature, natural
ku-dūmba (-mvye) to dunk, do dip
kw-egereza (-je) 1. to cause to
approach, 2. put within reach
kw-egamira (-ye) to lean against
(vi)
ku-dundumirwa (-we) 1. to be at
ic-ēgamo (ivy-) back of chair,
the end of one's patience, 2. to be
discouraged, 3. to complain in heart chair with back
at not having gotten what one
iny-ēgamo (iny-) 1. chair with
wanted
back, 2. back of chair
ku-dundūra (-ye) to bulge, to stick
kw-egeka (-tse) 1. to lean against
out (as garment with something
(vt), 2. to prop up, 3. to put up a bee
under it)
hive
umu-duri (imi-) monochord
ic-egera (ivy-) lieutenant
instrument
kw-ēgera (-reye) 1. to approach, to
in-dūru (in-) shout of alarm, wail
draw near, 2. to draw close
gukoma induru to wail, give cry
of alarm
kw-ēgera inkengera z'uruzi to
dock a boat
in-durwe (in-) gall, bile
kw-egerana (-nye) to get close
i-dūshi (ama-) slate pencil
together, crowd together (vi)
in-dushi (in-) weary, unfortunate
kw-egeraniriza (-je) to put together
person
kw-egeranya (-nije) to put things
in-dwāno (in-) fight, battle
(or people) close together
in-dwāra (in-) illness, disease
16
kw-egukira (-ye) 1. to possess, be
sole owner, 2. to be one's task (e.g.
negukiye kwīgīsha)
kw-egura (-ye) 1. to give over a
possession, 2. bring down a bee
hive, 3. throw on ground
ehe behold
ak-ēhe (no pl.) tracks of person,
anything that indicates path a
person has taken
ic-ehere (ivy-) hole in clothes
ejo (adv.) 1. yesterday, 2.
tomorrow (lit. the other day)
eka no! (emphatic)
ekāye no! (emphatic)
elayo olive
ic-ēma (ivy-) peanut, groundnut
kw-ēma (-mye) to stand erect,
remain standing
kw-emanga (-nze) 1. to witness
fearlessly on behalf of another, 2. to
help one in trouble
kw-emarara (-ye) to stand erect
umw-ēmbe (imy-) mango
urw-embe (inz-) (Sw.) razor blade
kw-emera (-ye) 1. to be willing, to
agree to, 3. to admit, to
acknowledge, to confess, concur, 4.
to accept, 5. to approve, 6. to
believe, to believe in
umw-enegihugu (ab-) citizen,
kw-eraguza (-je) to look around on
native, national
all sides
kw-emeza (-je) 1. to convince, 2. to kw-enēna (-nnye) 1. to be
prove, 3. to confirm, 4. to cause to
suspended in air, 2. to swing
admit or accept
ak-ēnese 1. hatred or jealousy
among members of a polygamous
ic-emezo (ivy-) prove
family, 2. projection of any kind of
ic-emezo c'ubwishu receipt, prove
building (such as church tower,
of payment
comb on house, etc.)
--erānda (adj.) 1. just, 2. righteous,
3. good, 4. holy
umw-erānda (ab-) 1. just person, 2.
righteous person, 3. good person, 4.
holy person
erega look! see here! say! on the
contrary
emwe you there!
umw-engano (imy-) porridge
emwe gaye you there!
ak-ēnge cunning
point to
in-enge secretly
kw-erekana (-nye) 1. to show,
reveal, 2. to prove, 3. to show each
other
(exclamation of astonishment)
ic-ēnda (adj.) nine, nine times
kw-enda (-nze) to barely escape
(e.g. yenze gupfa he nearly died)
kugenda ku nenge (in reference
to eating)
ubw-ēnge (no pl.) 1. wisdom, 2.
knowledge,
knowhow, 3. sense, 4.
kw-ēnda (-nze) 1. to receive (from
intelligence,
5. intellect, 6.
someone's hands), 2. to have sex, to
consciousness
make love, to have intercourse, 3.
to fornicate (rude)
umw-ēnge (imy-) 1. thing with
umw-ēnda (imy-) debt
holes in it, 2. hole
ende 1. allow me, permit
ak-ēnge kagarutse he came to
kw-ereka (-tse) 1. to show, 2. to
iy-erekanwa poster, notice
kw-erekera (-ye) 1. to look
towards, 2. to go towards
kw-erekeza (-je) 1. to go towards,
2. to direct towards
kw-erekwa (-tswe) to be shown,
(invariable), 2. here take this
himself
seen
kw-ēndwa (-nzwe) to be received,
kw-engēnga (-nze) 1. to rule
kw-erēra (-reye) to be about to
deliver (of cow only)
to be married
mw-ēne (b-) child of, son of
mw-ēne data (b) my sibling (a
brother or a sister)
bene data my siblings (my
brothers and sisters)
mw-ēne dāta wācu (b) my paternal
cousin (boy or girl)
bene dāta wācu my paternal
cousins (boys and girls)
mw-ēne nyina (b-) 1. brother, 2.
sister (lit. child of his/her/their
mother)
kindly, 2. deal kindly with, 3. to
carry very carefully lest it break or
spill, 4. to be gentle
ennye four
k-ēnshi (adv.) often, many times
kw-enyegeza (-je) to stoke (fire)
am-ēnyo teeth (sg. iryīnyo)
iny-ēnzi (iny-) cockroach
kw-ēnzūra (-ye) 1. to sweep, clean
up, 2. to burst into light (dawn), 3.
to have guest arrive just as food is
all consumed
umw-erēra (imy-) milk or beer
given to sick person
iny-eri (in-) 1. spit, spurted from
between teeth as indication of
scorn, 2. contempt, scorn
umw-ero (imy-) harvest time
umw-ēru (imy-) brilliance,
something spotlessly white
kw-erura (-ye) 1. to tell publicly,
make known, 2. to be unashamed,
shameless, 3. to be bold (esp. of
young girl), 4. to be rude, vulgar,
obtrusive, coarse
mw-ēne se (b-) 1. his, her, their
brother, 2. his, her, their sister (lit.
child of his/her/their father)
epfo (adv.) down, below
mw-ēne so (b-) 1. your brother, 2.
umw-episkopi mukuru archbishop
umw-eruzi (ab-) impertinent
kw-ēra (-ze) 1. to be white, 2. to be
pure, 3. to be innocent, 4. to ripen,
5. to get the first teeth
person
your sister (lit. child of your father)
mw-ēne wācu (b) 1. my sibling of
the same sex, 2. my cousin
(paternal)
umw-episkopi (ab-) bishop
umw-era (ab-) white person
ubw-eruzi (no pl.) evil language
(esp. of young girl)
eshanu five (Rw.)
esheshatu three (Rw.)
ic-ēte (ivy-) letter
17
umw-ēte (no pl.) 1. zeal,
i-farāshi (ama-) (Sw.) horse (also
earnestness, enthusiasm, 2. activity,
3. application
ifarasi)
umw-ēte mu bikorwa regularity
evyiri (adj.) two (Rw.)
umu-farisayo (aba-) pharisee
umu-fariso (imi-) mattress
i-farmasi (i-) pharmacy, drugstore,
kw-ēyēra (-ye) to sweep, to dust
chemist's
kw-ēyērera (-reye) to sweep at, for
gu-fasha (-shije) to help, to aid, to
kw-ēyēreza (-je) to cause to sweep,
assist, to support
igi-fatanzoka (ibi-) baby (not old
enough to know fear)
gu-fatira (-ye) take hold of
something (and for something)
uru-fatiro (im-) 1. foundation, 2.
principle
umu-ferege (imi-) gutter
i-fero iron (for ironing cloths),
(Fr.)
sweep with
umu-fasha (aba-) helper
kw-ēyērwa (-rewe) to be swept,
gu-fashana (-nye) to help each
cleaned
other
ic-ēyi (ivy-) 1. spot (in sense of
dirt), 2. disgrace
ugu-fashanya collaboration,
cooperation
uru-fi big fish
ak-ēza beauty, pretty thing
ubu-fashanyigisho facilitation
aga-findofindo quinzy, 'thrush'
kw-ēza (-jeje) 1. to purify, to
cleanse, 2. to make white (from
kwera)
umu-fashanyigisho (aba-)
i-fīra (no pl.) mold
facilitator
n'am-eza I'm fine (from -īza)
income
umw-eza (imy-) stamen of flower
gu-fashiriza (-je) to help at, for
i-fēza (ama-) silver
i-fi (ama-) fish (plural sometimes
also i-)
firigo (ama-) 1. refrigerator, fridge,
im-fashanyo (im-) aid, assistance,
2. freezer (also frigo)
i-firiti (i-) french fries, potota chips,
pommes frites
ukw-ēzi (am-) 1. moon, 2. month,
gu-fashīsha (-shije) to help by
3. cycle
means of
--fise to have (verb without
infinitive or past)
gu-fashwa (-shijwe) to be helped
m-fise I have
gu-fata (-she) 1. to take hold of, 2.
to catch, to capture, 3. to hold
--fitiye to have for (verb without
infinitive or past)
ugu-fata conquest
im-fizi (im-) 1. bull, 2. male animal
gu-fata akāyi to take or have a
gu-fobeka (-tse) 1. to hide, 2.
speak in a mysterious language, 3.
explain poorly
F
ubu-fafara (no pl.) poverty
(absolute)
umu-fafara (aba-) poor person,
poverty-stricken
ubu-fafare (no pl.) poverty
(absolute)
umu-fafare (aba-) poor person,
poverty-stricken
breakfast tea
gu-fata kunguvu to rape, to abuse
sexually, to take by force
gu-fata mpiri to be taken by
gu-fobōra (-ye) 1. to reveal, 2.
explain, 3. speak clearly
surprise
gu-fobōrera (-ye) to reveal to
gu-fata neza to manage well, to be
gu-fobōrwa (-we) 1. to be
revealed, 2. to be explained
i-fagitire (ama-) bill, invoice
responsible
i-fanta (ama-) Fanta, soft drink
gu-fōra (-ye) to stretch a bow
i-farānga (ama-) franc, money
gu-fatana (-nye) 1. to stick
together, 2. coagulate, thicken (vi)
igi-faransa French language
gu-fatana urunana to form a circle
(male)
Ubu-faransa France
umu-faransa (aba-) French
(person)
by holding hands
umu-foroma (aba-) medical nurse
umu-foromakazi (aba-) medical
i-fatanirizo (ama-) 1. bond, 2. knot
nurse (female)
gu-fatanya (-nije) 1. to have
fellowship, 2. to connect with one
another, 3. to stick together (vt)
(bow)
18
gu-fōrwa (-we) to be stretched
i-foto (ama-) photograph, photo
umu-frēre (aba-) religious brother,
monk
frigo (ama-) 1. refrigerator, fridge,
2. freezer (also firigo)
i-fundi (ama-) small sparrow (red
or blue)
umu-fūndi (aba-) (Sw.) skilled
workman
umu-fundikizo (imi-) cover, lid,
gu-fūrēka (-tse) 1. to smoke (e.g.
green wood), 2. to breathe with
difficulty (child)
uru-fūri bad weather (cloudy but
not rainy)
stopper
i-furo (ama-) 1. froth, foam, 2.
speaking of different kinds)
umu-funegi (imi-) ditch, trench
ubu-fu flour
gu-funereza (-je) to be too full (as
stove, oven, fireplace
kubīmba ifuro to froth at the
mouth
with food or as bag)
i-furshet fork (Fr.)
gu-funga (-nze) (Sw.) to close, to
i-fu (ama-) flour (pl. used for
i-fu y'amasaka sorghum flour
i-fu y'ibigori maize flour
shut
gu-furuguta (-se) 1. to be in a
hurry, 2. to work rapidly
i-fu y'ingano wheat flour
igi-fūngo (ibi-) (Sw.) button
im-furuka (im-) corner, angle
gu-fuba (-vye) 1. to wear, 2. to
umu-fungo (imi-) heap (usually
gu-furungana (-nye) to turn bad
suddenly (weather, person's
attitude, etc.)
hide (vi)
small heap of products on markets)
gu-fudika (-tse) 1. to reverse
syllables in word, 2. to speak
carelessly, 3. to be careless
gu-fungura (-ye) 1. to dine, to eat
(used of people), 2. serve food, 3. to gu-furūra (-ye) to reveal, show,
dilute
bring out of hiding
gu-fufahaza (-je) to treat patient
gu-fungūra (-ye) (Sw.) to open
but he doesn't recover
gu-fūha (-she) 1. to breathe heavily
gu-fungurira (-ye) to offer to eat
gu-futa (-se) 1. to erase, 2. to get
over diarrhea
gu-fūtāna (-nye) 1. to be wicked, 2.
to have bad habits (after having
been good), 3. deteriorate, 4. to go
backwards in possessions or habits
and noisily, 2. to yearn over, 3.
want one thing and that alone, 4. to
purpose to revenge
igi-fungurwa (ibi-) food
gu-fuhagira (-ye) 1. to snort with
rage, 2. to snore
gu-funguza (-je) 1. to ask for food
or drink, 2. to dilute with
i-fuhe (no pl.) earnestness to
i-funi (ama-) worn out hoe
accomplish
im-funya (im-) child that doesn't
gu-fuhira (-ye) to be zealous to
grow properly
accomplish
igi-funyiko (ibi-) 1. cover, lid, 2.
gu-fuka (-tse) 1. to be cool, to be
stopper
shady, to be fresh, 2. to wrap up, 3.
to cover
umu-funyiko (imi-) 1. cover, lid, 2.
igi-fuka (ibi-) pleurisy
uru-fūnzo (im-) papyrus reed,
i-fuku (ama-) mole (animal)
swamp
im-fūvyi (im-) orphan
gu-fukura (-ye) to have sloping
im-fura (im-) first-born child
igi-fwera (ibi-) snail
sides (like soup dish)
gu-furama (-mye) 1. to go naked,
2. to be overcome with sleep and
fall over – sleeping right there
gu-fyāta (-se) 1. to be flat (esp. of
nose), 2. to flatten out (vt), 3. to
tramp on something unintentionally
gu-furāngana (-nye) to turn bad
gu-fyātura (-ye) 1. to mould, to
form, 2. to make bricks
gu-fūmba (-mvye) to smoke
gu-fumbata (-se) 1. to close hands
im-fungurwa (im-) 1. food, 2. meal
stopper
gu-fūtānuka (-tse) to become good
again (having been bad)
gu-futānya (-nije) 1. to grow
thinner, 2. go backwards
inadvertently
i-futi (ama-) mistake, error
gu-futīsha (-shije) to stop diarrhea
umu-futisho (imi-) medicine for
together, 2. to head up (e.g.
cabbage)
suddenly (weather, attitude, etc.)
umu-fumbēre (imi-) tan hair (e.g.
umu-furegi (imi-) (Sw.) ditch
of goats)
i-funderi (ama-) carpenter bee
19
diarrhea
gu-fyefyeta (-se) to lick food off
spoon or dish
gu-fyidikīra (-ye) to do the
ku-gābagāba (-vye) to be
impossible
rebellious
i-fyigo (ama-) kidney, hips
ku-gābagābira (-ye) 1. to be
rebellious against, 2. disobedient to
gu-fyikinyura (-ye) to scrub, scour
gu-fyina (-nye) 1. to tease, 2. to
joke, 3. to play
gu-fyina ku kazi to not work
iki-gabane (ibi-) part, portion
in-gabura (ye) divisor (school
gu-fyinata (-se) 1. to tease, 2. to
ku-gabāngānya (-nije) 1. to put in
joke, 3. to play
different places, 2. divide up
(loads) among several
umu-fyīri (imi-) black
bossiness, 3. manhood, penis
husband
umu-gabane (imi-) part, portion
aga-fyīri (udu-) black
ubu-gabo 1. authority, 2.
ku-gabana (-nye) 1. to share, 2. to
command each other
seriously
umu-fyīra (imi-) mold (on food)
ru-gabo (adv.) 1. bravely, 2.
forcefully
in-gabano (in-) division
ku-gabanuka (-tse) 1. to diminish,
umu-gabo (aba-) man (married),
term)
ku-gabura (-ye) 1. to divide, 2. to
distribute, 3. to share
ku-gaburira (-ye) 1. to feed, 2.
divide, 3. distribute, 4. to provide
ku-gaburirwa (-we) 1. to be fed, 2.
be given a portion
im-fyisi (im-) hyena
to reduce, 2. to be weak, 3. to
separate oneself
gu-fyīta (-se) 1. to make blunt, 2.
ku-gabanya (-nije) 1. to reduce, to
soften another's anger
diminish, 2. to divide, 3. to limit
ku-gaburura (-ye) to fail to do
what you started
gu-fyonyoka (-tse) 1. to break
ku-gabanywa (-nijwe) to be
in-gaburwa (in-) dividend (school
completely (vi), 2. to mash (vi), 3.
to be thoroughly cooked, 4. to be
completely mashed from being
stepped upon
divided, diminished
term)
ubu-gabe (no pl.) authority
umu-gabuzi (aba-) servant (esp. at
gu-fyonyora (-ye) to crush, smash
gu-fyura (-ye) to squeeze out seed
of fruit
gu-fyura amaso to stare at
umu-fyure staring (in evil manner)
umu-gabekazi (aba-) ruling queen,
ga you, thou (mainly in greetings
or questions)
table), waiter
mother of king
ka-gabwa subjunctive (gram.)
ku-gabira (-ye) 1. to determine, 2.
to give a present
ku-gabwa (-bwe) to be ruled,
commanded
in-gabire (in-) gift
i-gaduka aridness (of land),
barrenness, drought
ku-gabiriza (-je) to be prepared to
do or run quickly
ku-gabirwa (-we) to receive a gift
G
in-gaburo (in-) part, portion
umu-gabīsha (aba-) leader, ruler,
captain
ku-gabitanya (-nye) 1. to be very
ku-gaduka (-tse) 1. to be dry, to
dry up, 2. to die suddenly
uku-gaduka aridness (of land),
barrenness, drought
in-gafe (in-) oar
wicked, 2. to sin
iki-gaga (ibi-) 1. populous tribe or
misfortune
iki-gabitānyo (ibi-) wickedness, sin
family, 2. deformity (from birth), 3.
corpse
umu-ga (imi-) crack
--gabo male of... (suffix of
aka-ga 1. danger, 2. trouble, 3.
iki-gāba (ibi-) headstrong person
something masculin)
aka-gabo (utu-) 1. thumb, 2. little
iki-gāga (ibi-) crack in earth
umu-gāga (imi-) crack
ku-gaba (-vye) 1. to rule over,
man
ru-gagamisha microscope
dominate, be master, 2. to be on
guard, prepared for, 3. to pass out
gifts
imi-gabo 1. preparation, 2. plan,
ku-gāba (-vye) 1. to be rebellious,
2. be disobedient
in-gabo (in-) 1. soldier, 2. army
iki-gagara (ibi-) 1. deep, uncovered
basket, 2. bundle (esp. dead person
wrapped for carrying), 3. corpse, 4.
stretcher to carry a corpse
planning, strategy, 3. foresight, 4.
intentions
20
uku-gagarara aridness (of land),
barrenness, drought
in-gāge (in-) short stick, club
ku-gāguka (-tse) to be split open
(flesh, when wounded)
aka-gājo light brown
ubu-gali thick bread-like porridge
(Sw.)
in-gāma (in-) tall, straight thing
(esp. person) (e.g. umuntu
w'ingama)
ku-gana (-nnye) to squeeze juice
from bananas
umu-gano (imi-) hollow bamboo,
ku-gana (-nye) to tell stories of
ku-ganūka (-tse) 1. to send
greetings, 2. to go home (often used
in farewell to one's superior:
ndaganutse)
long ago
iki-gānda (ibi-) disobedient person
umu-ganda (aba-) Ugandan
(person)
greetings
uru-gānda (in-) factory, workshop,
smelting place
umu-ganwa (aba-) chief, great
chief, blood prince
ku-gandūka (-tse) to be obedient,
i-ganya (ama-) 1. trouble, 2.
anxiety, 3. grief
ku-gamba (-mvye) 1. to talk, 2.
to
uru-gāmba (in-) 1. small plant, 2.
ku-gandūkira (-ye) to be obedient
ku-gandūra (-ye) 1. to subjugate,
subdue a revolt, 2. to force to obey,
3. to tame
field of battle, 3. crowd
ama-gānga urine of animals
ku-gāmbāna (-nye) to hate one's
ku-gānga (-nze) to urinate (cows)
master
ku-gambanira (-ye) to betray
ubu-gambanyi betrayal, treason
(from kugambanira)
umu-gānga (aba-) medical doctor
ku-gangabuka (-tse) 1. to suddenly
get angry when you've been talking
nicely, 2. to be startled out of sleep
ku-gambarara (-ye) 1. to complain, ku-gangara (-ye) to dry up
2. be disobedient, 3. obey
ku-gangāra (-ye) to growl, grunt
unwillingly
(dog)
iki-gambati (ibi-) giant, any huge
ku-gangarara (-ye) to lie about
thing
waiting on someone
umu-gambi (imi-) 1. plan, 2.
umu-gani (imi-) proverb, parable,
purpose, intent, 3. project
fable, tale (from kuganira)
ama-gambo 1. words, 2. terms, 3.
ku-gānīra (-riye) to converse
vocabulary (sg. ijambo)
ku-gamburuka (-tse) to obey
ku-gānīrira (-ye) to converse with
ku-gamburukira (-ye) to be
ku-gānīriza (-je) to cause to
obedient to
umu-gāmbwe (imi-) political party
in-gameya (in-) camel
in-gamia (in-) camel
in-gamiya (in-) camel
ku-ganūtsa (-kije) to send
sticks, rope, etc.) wood of the hut
submissive
umu-gāmba (imi-) high plateau
i-ganūke (ama-) gift given on
return from journey
umu-gānda (imi-) bundle (of
in-gāmba (in-) young bean leaves
(when only the first two leaves are
there)
give a discourse
pipe, tube
converse
iki-gānīro (ibi-) 1. conversation,
discussion, 2. dialogue, exchange,
3. interview, 4. program
(entertainment, TV)
in-gānji (in-) power, authority
in-gano (in-) wheat
21
ku-ganya (-nye) 1. to be anxious,
2. to be troubled, 3. be in grief, to
mourn
ku-ganyira (-ye) 1. to be anxious,
2. troubled, 3. be in grief. 4. to
moan, 5. to complain
ku-ganyīsha (-shije) to cause to be
anxious, troubled
iki-gānza (ibi-) 1. palm of hand, 2.
hand
ku-gānza (-nje) to rule over,
govern (past also njije)
ganza, sabwe! long live the king!
(greeting to superior)
ku-gānzwa (-njwe) to be governed
ama-gara 1. health, 2. physical
strength
iki-gāra (ibi-) mat made of split
papyrus
umu-gāra (imi-) crown woven of
long hair and worn by dancers
ama-gara yandyarutse my
strength has left me (from
kuryārukana)
iki-garagamba (ibi-) carapace,
shell
i-garagara nothing
ku-garagara (-je) 1. to make
empty, 2. to reveal
ku-garagara (-ye) 1. to be empty,
2. open to view, 3. to be evident,
apparent, to be obvious
ku-garariza (-je) 1. to rebel, revolt,
2. refuse to listen to authority
uru-gata (in-) big pad for pots of
beer
comb of chicken
i-garase ice
ha-gati (adv.) between, in the
middle, in the midst of, in the
center
ku-garagaza (-je) 1. to empty,
i-gāre (ama-) 1. bicycle, bike, 2.
wagon, carriage
i-gato (ama-) cake (from Fr.
gateau)
in-gāre (in-) one who gets cross
mu-gaturuturu (no pl.) early
uru-garagara (in-) crest of bird,
make empty, 2. to reveal, 3. to
display
umu-garagu (aba-) male servant
ku-garagura (-ye) 1. to look things
over in prospect of buying, 2. to
turn over and over (vt), 3. to
palpate, to examine
umu-gararizo (imi-) revolt
easily but who gets over it quickly,
one who talks a lot (esp. to tell
others what to do)
--gari (adj.) 1. wide, broad, 2.
ubu-gavyi government
ku-gawa (-we) to be hated
spacious
ku-garagurika (-tse) 1. to writhe, 2. i-gāri (ama-) 1. bicycle, bike, 2.
toss about on ground, 3. change
opinion often
wagon, carriage, fiacre
ku-garagurwa (-we) to be turned
(from Sw. ugali)
over and over
ubu-gāri (no pl.) width
ubu-garagwa (no pl.) desert
i-gari ya mōshi (Sw.) train
ku-garama (-mye) 1. to be flat (as
plate), 2. to lie on back
aka-garuka a returning
ku-garamanga (-nye) to be idle
morning (when the morning star is
seen)
ubu-gari thick bread-like porridge
ku-gaya (-ye) 1. to hate, despise, 2.
to be dissatisfied
ku-gāyagāya (-ye) to be very
happy, untroubled (having eaten or
drunk a lot)
ku-gayana (-nye) 1. to hate each
other, 2. to be scornful
ku-gayika (-tse) 1. to be despised,
2.
be looked down upon
in-garuka 1. consequence, 2. result,
3. effect, impact, 4. repercussion
ku-gayīsha (-shije) to cause to hate
ku-garamāngira (-ye) 1. to be a
tramp, wander about, 2. fail to give
what one promised
ku-garuka (-tse) to return (vi) to
place where speaker is
disdain
i-garame (ama-) gram
n'aka-garuka goodbye, see you
soon
umu-gayo (imi-) blame, scorn
ku-garanya (-nije) to refuse to
ku-garukana (-nye) to return (vt),
obey
return with
ku-garānzura (-ye) 1. to serve
ku-garukira (-ye) 1. to return to, 2.
king, 2. to open, 3. to unfold
take the side of
iki-gazi (ibi-) palm tree
ku-garānzurira (-ye) to unfold at,
for
ku-garura (-ye) to bring back,
cause to return
in-gazi (in-) ladder, stairs
ku-garanzurwa (-we) to be
ku-garurwa (-we) to be brought
irrigation
back
ku-garānzuza (-je) to unfold with,
ku-gasāra (-ye) to spread out great
cause to unfold
branches
ubu-garariji (no pl.) wickedness,
ku-gāsha (-she) to spoil (vi)
rebellion
(foods)
insurgent
ku-gararisha (-shije) to stir up
revolt
ku-gaywa (-ywe) to be hated
ku-gāzagāza (-je) 1. to make very
unfolded, spread out
umu-garariji (aba-) 1. criminal, 2.
aka-gayo (utu-) blame, scorn,
happy, untroubled, 2. enjoy oneself
umu-gazo (imi-) canal for
iki-gega (ibi-) storage place for
grain
umu-gega (imi-) clothing worn
underneath, as sack dress
ku-gegena (-nye) 1. to cut up trees
ku-gāshīsha (-shije) to let spoil
umu-gāso (imi-) tiny cell for
or sticks, 2. to whittle, to carve, 3.
sharpen stick, 4. to slice crosswise
prisoner
iki-gegene (ibi-) slice, piece
in-gata (in-) grass ring or pad worn
on head when carrying load
crosswise
22
ku-gegenwa (-nywe) to be cut up
ku-gemānya (-nije) to put things in
basket to take to another
ku-gendera (-ye) to visit
in-gemu (in-) 1. remuneration, gift,
walk
2. fee payed to shaman
ku-gemura (-je) to present a gift
(with something expected in return)
ku-gēndēsha (-sheje) to cause to
ku-gēndēsha umugōngo to (cause
to) walk backward
ku-gemurira (-ye) to take a gift to
ku-gendeza (-je) to watch over,
watch carefully
in-gemwe (in-) young plants to be
uru-gēndo (in-) journey
transplanted
ku-gena (-nnye) 1. to point at, 2. to
choose, 3. to determine
ku-gēnda (-giye) 1. to go, to walk,
2. to leave
nda-gēnda I am going to
uru-gēndo rwiza Have a good
journey! Safe journey!
umu-gēnzi (aba-) companion,
friend (not close)
umukozi mugenzi collegue
umu-gēnzo (imi-) custom
ku-genzūra (-ye) 1. to judge
weather by sky, 2. to try to know
something, 3. seek information, 4.
to inspect
i-gera (ama-) fish hook
inspect
ku-gera (-ze) 1. to command, rule,
2. measure, 3. reach a certain point,
4. to arrive, 5. to act as if to beat
but not do it, 6. to be ready
in-gene how, as (not in questions)
umu-gera (imi-) 1. sprout, 2. point,
ku-gēndūra (-ye) to explore, to
ubu-gene how, as (not in
3. nail, 4. sting (of insect)
ku-gēnda amēnya to go naked
questions)
ku-gera ikirēnge to walk in
footsteps of another
ku-gēnda buje to return to parental
aka-genegene (utu-) 1. product,
article, item, 2. a play (theater)
ku-gerageza (-je) 1. to tempt,
home when angry at husband (said
of wife)
ku-genekereza (-je) 1. to point at,
attempt, 2. to experiment, to try, to
try out, 3. to make an effort
ku-gēnda gusa to go naked
2. to explain, 3. to indicate
ku-gēnda hange to go prepared
aka-genekerezo (utu-) 1. indicator,
with everything planned
2. display, 3. pointer at
ku-gēnda n'ibirēnge to walk
ku-genera (-ye) 1. to attribute to, 2.
barefoot
to choose for
i-geragezwa (ama-) temptation
ku-gēnda n'ubwato to go by boat
ku-generwa (-we) to be chosen
ku-geragezwa (-jwe) to be tempted
(not steering it oneself)
ku-gēnda n'umuduga to go by car
(not driving it oneself)
ku-gēnda umugōngo to walk
ku-gengarara (-ye) to be almost
in-gengeri (in-) bell
umu-gere (imi-) 1. kick, 2. foot of
iki-gendabunyovu (ibi-) bustard
i-genya (ama-) harvest (esp. millet)
ku-gēndagēnda (-nze) to go for a
ku-genya (-nye) to harvest millet
walk, to walk
ku-genyēra (-reye) to circumcise
ku-gēndagēndera (-ye) 1. to visit,
umu-genyi (aba-) harvester (esp.
ku-gendanira (-ye) 1. to follow, 2.
accompany, 3. obey (a chief or
superior)
millet)
ku-gēnza (-jeje) 1. to watch
carefully, 2. to cause to go well, 3.
to lie in wait for
ku-genzanya (-nije) 1. to look for a
companion
fault in one another, 2. to pursue
one another
umu-gēnde (imi-) 1. canal, tiny
in-gēnzi (in-) wanderer, traveller
umu-gēndanyi (aba-) follower,
ku-gerana (-nye) to defy one
ripe (esp. corn)
backward
ku-gendana (-nye) to walk with
umu-geragezi (aba-) tempter
another
umu-geni (aba-) bride
2. to frequent
uku-gerageza 1. effort, 2. attempt,
endeavor, 3. experiment
stream, 2. long band of cloth
23
animal or person
gutera imigere to kick
in-geregere (in-) small antelope,
gazelle
in-gereka (in-) adjective
ku-gereka (-tse) 1. to place thing
above another, 2. repeat, 3. add to,
4. to crow second time in morning
ku-gerekera (-ye) to place on top
at, for
ku-gerekerana (-nye) to be placed
on top
ku-gerekeranya (-nije) 1. to place
one thing above another, 2. repeat,
add to
top
ku-gerekwa (-tswe) to be placed on
ku-gesesha (-sheje) to cause to
harvest, help to harvest
ku-gerera (-ye) 1. to measure, 2. to
ku-geseza (-je) to massacre
pay salary
in-geso (in-) 1. habit, 2. custom, 3.
in-ginagina (in-) earth of reddish
brown color (e.g. urūzi rwahindutse
inginagina)
in-gīngo (in-) 1. sentence, 2.
judgment, 3. advice, counsel, 4.
law, arret-royal, 5. decision
ku-gerēra (-reye) 1. to go
elsewhere, 2. to find new building
site
trait
ku-geswa (-shwe) to be harvested
ubu-gīngo (no pl.) 1. life, 2. soul
ku-gereraniriza (-je) 1. to give an
umu-geyi (aba-) homosexual
uru-gīngo (in-) joint
example, to illustrate, 2. make a
sign, 3. point out the way
ku-geza (-jeje) 1. to try, test,
ku-gereranya (-nije) 1. to compare,
2. estimate, 3. diminish
iki-gereranyo (ibi-) pattern,
comparison, example
ku-gerereza (-je) 1. to set a fixed
time, 2. to measure or await a fixed
time
person, gay
ku-gira (-gize) 1. to do, 2. to make,
3. to have, 4. to think, 5. to say
attempt, make an effort, 2. tempt, 3.
to cause to arrive, to escort to a
ku-gīra (-ye) to go after
determined point
ku-gira amazīnda 1. to be
ku-geza aho until
forgetful, 2. to be doubtful
i-gezi (ama-) middle of lake or sea
or jungle
umu-gezi (aba-) ruler, one who
iki-gira cumi (ibi-) tithe
ku-gira inda to be pregnant
uru-gerēro (in-) new building site
makes commands
ku-gira intege to be weak
iki-geretseko (conj.) furthermore,
umu-gezi (imi-) 1. spring, 2.
ku-gira inyota to be thirsty
moreover
fountain, 3. stream
ku-gira ishari to be jealous
in-gero (in-) 1. measure, 2. pay, 3.
uru-gezo (in-) measure
ku-gira ivyago to risk
reward
ku-gezwa (-jejwe) to be tried
ku-gira ubwēnge to be clever,
uru-gero (in-) 1. measure, 2. pay,
ki-gezweko (adj.) modern
intelligent, smart
3. reward
ku-geruka (-tse) to get thin,
diminish (vi)
imi-gi nits
ku-gerūra (-ye) to diminish,
iri-gi (ama-) egg
shorten (vt)
ku-gerūrira (-ye) to diminish for,
in favor of
ku-gerūza (-je) to cause to
diminish, diminish by
ku-gira ubwōba to have fear, to be
i-gi (ama-) egg
scared
ku-gira umudo to stuff a mattress
ku-gira umutima mwiza to be
ubu-gi tiny egg
kind, to be good-hearted
iki-giga (ibi-) chunk of wood
ku-gira umwizero to be hopeful, to
umu-giga (imi-) meningitis
uru-giga chunk of wood, log
i-gesa (ama-) time of harvest
ku-gigimiza (-je) to stutter,
(millet)
stammer
ku-gesa (-she) to harvest millet
umu-gigimo (imi-) noise of
in-gese (in-) rust
ku-gesera (-ye) 1. to harvest at,
for, 2. to revolt against king
ubu-gesera (no pl.) wickedness,
skillfulness
umu-gesera (aba-) wicked person,
revolutionary, very skillful person
earthquake, approaching storm
umu-gimbi (aba-) child up to 8 or
have hope, to be optimistic
ibi-girānkana willfully,
intentionally, on purpose, willingly
ku-girira (-ye) to do for
ku-gīrīra (-riye) 1. to have an
uncurable disease, fatal, 2. fail to
return
10 years
aka-gīrīre (utu-) incurable wound,
person who goes never to return
ku-gimīra (-ye) 1. to work
ku-girīsha (-shije) to use, do with,
complainingly, 2. be stubborn
make with
umu-gina (imi-) 1. light yellow, 2.
ku-girwa (-zwe) to be done
reddish, 3. white ant hill
uru-gina (in-) reddish, red
24
iki-girwamāna (ibi-) idol, object of
ku-gobōtorwa (-we) to be taken
worship
from
iki-gōmbo (ibi-) 1. handle (e.g. of
cup), 2. tire
ku-gisha (-shije) 1. to take to
greener pastures, 2. to increase,
multiply (because of having fed
well) (vi)
ku-gobōtoza (-je) 1. to cause to
take down, to take down with, 2. to
unhook
ku-gombōra (-ye) 1. to cut banana
leaves, 2. to relieve another on duty
(as soldier)
ku-gīsha (-shije) to seek advice
ku-gobwa (-bewe) to have speech
impediment, be tongue-tied
uru-gombōzo (in-) knife for
cutting banana leaves
umu-gisha (imi-) blessing,
ku-godoka (-tse) 1. to cease work,
ubu-gome (no pl.) revolt,
prosperity
2. go home from work, 3. to quit
work
wickedness
ku-gishūra (-ye) 1. to take a thing
home from where you've left or put
it, 2. to take cows home after being
away a long time to pasture
umu-gisye (aba-) child 6 or 7 years
old
in-gōfēro (in-) (Sw.) hat, cap,
headgear
in-goga (in-) 1. quickness, 2.
agility, 3. eagerness, 4. speed, haste
ku-gōgōra (-ye) to get very thin,
mu-gitōndo (no pl.) morning
lose a lot of weight
Gitugutu October
iki-gohe (ibi-) 1. eyebrow, 2. eyelid
nda-gize bwakeye Good morning
in-gohe (in-) eyelashes
(to a superior)
iki-go (ibi-) enclosed backyard
uru-gohe (in-) eyelash
umu-gome (aba-) revolutionary
ku-gomera (-ye) 1. to revolt
against, 2. to dam stream to form
watering place, to dyke up
uru-gomero (in-) watering place
ku-gomesha (-sheje) to incite a
revolt
ku-gomora (-ye) to subdue a revolt
ku-gomorera (-ye) to seek
assistance to overcome
ku-gomorora (-ye) to remove a
(private place)
iki-gohegohe (ibi-) eyebrow
uru-go (in-) 1. kraal, 2. enclosure
about house and yard, 3. household
ku-goherwa (-we) to be tired for
no reason (e.g. in morning)
ku-goba (-vye) 1. to nurse from
in-gōho (in-) gun
cow, 2. to milk into the mouth
prisoner
ku-gōka (-tse) 1. to break a taboo,
2. to do a despicable thing, 3. to
bring or cause disgrace
iki-gobe (ibi-) winding stream, bay
in-goma (in-) 1. drum, 2. royalty,
purr
reign, kingship
kwima ku ngoma to come to the
throne
ku-gōnda (-nze) to bend (as joint)
ku-goma (-mye) to revolt
be submissive
umu-goma (imi-) lump (e.g. clay,
ku-gōndama (-mye) to be curved
in-gōbāne (in-) tiny cell for
ku-gōbēra (-ye) 1. to force, to
compel, to exert pressure, 2. plead
with, 3. to insist, 4. to constrain
ku-gōberwa (-rewe) to be thin
(bones show due to hunger)
dam
ku-gomoza (-je) to subdue a revolt
ku-gomwa (-mwe) 1. to covet, 2. to
love, 3. to be drawn to
in-gōna (in-) crocodile
ku-gōna (-nnye) 1. to snore, 2. to
ku-gōnda izosi to bow the neck, to
clotted blood, etc.)
ku-gōndamika (-tse) 1. to curve, 2.
forced
aka-gomba (utu-) weasel
to bend
ku-gobōdoka (-tse) to be freed
ku-gōmba (-mvye) 1. to want,
ku-gōndera (-ye) to curve at, for
from speech impediment
desire, 2. to lack
umu-gōndōra (imi-) bean sprout
ku-goborora (-ye) 1. to take from
ku-gombeka (-tse) to sprinkle
ku-gōbērwa (-we) to be compelled,
pocket or other concealed place, 2.
to reveal
ku-gobōtora (-ye) 1. to take one
out of difficulties or hard places, 2.
to take out from, 3. to free, to clear
'medicine' in house to protect from
harm
uru-gombeko (in-) 'medicine' to
protect house
ku-gonga (-nze) to rumble in
stomach
umu-gōngo (imi-) back (of person
or animal)
iki-gōngogōngo (ibi-) central part
of banana leaf
25
aka-gōngwe (no pl.) 1. pity, 2.
compassion
iki-gongwe (ibi-) 1. mercy, 2.
pardon, forgiveness, 3. pity
uku-gorōra ironing (cloths)
ku-gorōra impūzu to iron clothes
in-gororano (in-) gift to a chief (in
umu-goyigoyi (aba-) weak person
(because of illness, etc.)
aka-gozi (utu-) string, rope
order to get something from him)
umu-gozi (imi-) string, rope
ku-guba (-vye) to hide and wait for
hunter (animal), to lie in wait
snake, river)
in-gorore (in-) fee paid for
permission to buy or sell,
redemption price
umu-gōnzo (imi-) salt made by
ku-gororoka (-tse) 1. to be straight,
saking the ashes of a certain plant
in water
to be right, 2. be righteous
ku-gubwa (-we) to be settled down
nicely, good pleasant living (pass.
of kugwa)
ku-gororokera (-ye) to be
gucirwakw itēka to be condemned
ku-gora (-ye) to do woman's work
submissive to
i-gono (ama-) grudge
iki-gonzi (ibi-) loop, curve (as of
(housekeeping)
ku-gōra (-ye) 1. to trouble, 2. to
annoy, 3. to be difficult, to be hard,
4. to irritate
ku-gorama (-mye) to be crooked
ku-goramika (-tse) to make
crooked
ku-gōrana (-nye) to annoy each
other
i-gufa (ama-) bone
umu-gororotsi (aba-) righteous
person
umu-gorotsi (aba-) righteous
person
--gufi (adj.) 1. short, 2. low, 3.
shallow
gucisha bugufi to humble
--gufīnya (adj.) 1. short, 2. low, 3.
ku-gorōza (-je) to make straight by
means of
shallow
--gufīya (adj.) 1. short, 2. low, 3.
iki-gorozo (ibi-) ikigorozo
c'impuzu iron (for ironing clothes)
shallow
umu-gufu (imi-) chain worn on
ama-gōrwa difficulties, troubles
neck
difficulty, 2. trouble, hassle, 3.
concern
ku-gōrwa (-we) 1. to be troubled,
to be in trouble, 2. to be annoyed
i-gufuri (ama-) (Sw.) padlock
ubu-gorane boredom
umu-gōrwa (aba-) unfortunate,
in-gorane (in-) 1. problem,
umu-gore (aba-) woman (married),
wife
ku-goreka (-tse) to curve, make
miserable person
iki-goryi (ibi-) one hard to get
along with
in-gūge (in-) ape, primate, monkey
aka-gugu (utu-) 1. one who makes
others laugh, 2. one who knows
more than is expected of him
i-gugu (ama-) crowd (esp. that's
crooked
ku-gosōra (-ye) to blow out chaff
running)
umu-goreko (imi-) tiny plant shoot
iki-goti (ibi-) cuttings for planting
(esp. manioc)
or bone
(esp. beans)
iki-gōri (ibi-) corn, maize
uru-gori (in-) 1. wreath, 2. crown,
3. charm worn on head or on
stomach
in-goro (in-) house of a king
aka-gorōba (no pl.) early evening,
late afternoon
ku-gorōba (-vye) to be evening
umu-gorōba (imi-) evening, late
afternoon
ku-gorōra (-ye) 1. to make straight,
iki-gotigoti (ibi-) cuttings for
planting (esp. manioc)
in-govyi (in-) 1. placenta, 2. skin
ku-guguna (-nye) to bite from cob
ku-guguza (-je) to coo (dove only)
uru-guha (in-) cattle tick
for carrying baby
aka-gūma (utu-) 1. joker, teaser,
gossiper, 2. mild revolt
ku-goyagoya (-ye) 1. to do
something unwillingly, 2. to be
weak, 3. to limp, 4. to go slowly, 5.
to be about to die, 6. to flutter, 7.
waver (as flame in wind)
ku-guma (-mye) 1. to stay, remain,
abide, 2. to dwell, 3. to be hard, 4.
to be well
bira-gōye this is difficult (from
scar, on skins or gourds
kugōra)
uru-guma (in-) 1. wound, 2. cut
iki-goyi (ibi-) famine
ku-guma ugerageza to practice
to straighten what is bend, 2. to iron in-goyi (in-) rope, chain, bonds
26
umu-guma (imi-) weak place, as
i-gūmba (i-) sterile female (human
or animal)
bag
in-gūmba (in-) sterile female
in-gūnza (in-) wave
(human or animal)
i-gunira (ama-) (Sw.) burlap, sack,
ku-guruka (-tse) to fly
ku-gura (-ze) 1. to trade, to buy
ubu-gūmba sterility, barrenness
and sell, 2. to afford
iki-gūmbagūmba (ibi-) joy so
ku-gurāna (-nye) 1. to exchange, 2.
great it hurts
ku-gūmbīra (-ye) to hug, to take in
to lend, 3. borrow (money, or that
for which you'll return equivalent
rather than that very article), 4. to
swap
one's arm
ku-gurāna ivyītegererezo to
ku-gumiriza (-je) 1. to hold fast to,
brainstorm, to exchange ideas
2. continue, 3. to maintain
in-gurane (in-) credit
umu-gumo (imi-) waiting outside
ubu-gurano (no pl.) servitude,
ku-gūmbaha (-she) to be sterile
because you have no permission to
enter with others
ku-gūmūka (-tse) 1. to revolt, 2.
raise a clamor, 3. stir up trouble
imi-gūmūko news (esp. of battle),
outcry, clamor
iki-guruka (ibi-) bird
slavery
umu-gurano (aba-) slave
umu-guranyi (aba-) traitor, one
who betrays, slave trader
ku-gurika (-tse) to sell well (from
kugura)
umu-guruka (imi-) chaff
in-gurukanabumenyi internet
ku-gurukīsha (-shije) to cause to
fly
in-gurukizi (in-) grafted-in branch,
a plant parasite
ku-gurwa (-zwe) 1. to be bought, 2.
to be sold, 3. to be traded, 4. to cost
gusa (adv.) only, merely
iki-guti (ibi-) cuttings for planting
(esp. manioc)
umu-gutu (imi-) fresh pasture (new
shoots of grass)
ku-guza (-ze) to trade one article
for another
iki-guzi (ibi-) 1. purchase price, 2.
ku-gumya (-mije) 1. to maintain, 2.
aka-guriro (utu-) small
to keep, 3. make firm, hold in
marketplace
place, 4. cause to stay
fare
nda-gumye I'm well (said as
answer to the question:
uragumye?)
i-guriro (ama-) marketplace for a
specific good or product (cloth
market, etc.)
in-gwa (in-) chalk, chalky rock
ura-gumye Are you in form?
ku-gurīsha (-shije) 1. to sell, to
cause to buy, 2. to peddle, to hawk
ku-gwa mahera to be the end
(informal greeting)
ku-gūnda (-nze) to tame
gurtya (adj.) like this (see also
dumbfounded
ku-gūndana (-nye) to push each
other, knock each other down
in-gūndu (in-) sprout, sucker
ku-gundwa (-nzwe) to be tamed
ku-gūnga (-nze) 1. to be dishonest,
2. to cheat, deceive, 3. refuse to
give another his own
gurtyo, like that)
gurtyo (adj.) like that (also durtyo,
murtyo, bartyo, etc.)
in-guru (in-) little stones taken
from bottom of stream and offered
to spirits in a little house
uku-guru (ama-) leg
umupira w'amaguru football,
ku-gungarara (-ye) to wait long for soccer
another
ama-guru y'imbango bow legs
ubu-gūnge (no pl.) 1. dishonesty,
2. deceitfulness, 3. selfishness
umu-gūnguma (imi-) thorny tree
in-gūnguru (in-) drum (gasoline)
in-gurube (in-) pig
ku-gurugūmba (-mvye) 1. to
pound (of heart), 2. to boil up
(water), to blister, 3. grow very fast
(child)
27
umu-guzi (aba-) buyer, shopper,
customer
ku-gwa (-gūye) to fall
ku-gwa mu gahundwe to be
in-gwa yo guhoma limestone
ku-gwagura (-ye) 1. to be used but
not worn out, 2. to swoop, 3. to be
old but still strong (person,
garment, etc.)
ubu-gwanēza (no pl.) meekness
umu-gwanēza (aba-) meek person
ku-gwāra (-ye) to be ill, to be sick
i-gwasakusaku (ama-) chin
iki-gwati (ibi-) kraal with many
houses of members of one family
in-gwāti (in-) security, hostage,
thing entrusted to another to care
for
ku-gwatiriza (-je) to give as pledge
or security
ku-gwatūra (-ye) to receive back
gu-habūra (-ye) to bring one back
from far away
gu-hagurutsa (-kije) to have one
stand up
gu-habwa (-bwe) to be given, to
receive (from guha)
i-haha (ama-) lung
security
in-gwe (in-) leopard
ka-habwa attribute (gram.)
surprise
iki-gwīnyīra (ibi-) 1. tall, fat
person, 2. giant, 3. large thing
i-hadābu fine, fee (Sw.)
gu-hahama (-mye) 1. tu jump with
fear in heart, 2. to want something,
but fear you won't get it
ku-gwīra (-riye) 1. to multiply (vi),
2. to be abundant, (prepositional
form of kugwa)
ku-gwīra isari to faint with hunger
ku-gwisha (-shije) to cause to fall
(from kugwa)
in-gwīza multiplier
ku-gwīza (-je) to multiply (vt)
in-gwīzwa multiplicand
ku-gwīzwa (-jwe) to be multiplied
H
gu-hadikiriza (-je) 1. to conjugate,
to change prefixes, 2. to force
something to change, 3. to coerce
gu-hadikirizwa (-jwe) 1. to be
forced, 2. to be conjugated
hāfi (adv.) near, nearby, close by,
nigh, about, around, approximately,
roughly, or so, around
gu-hahabuka (-tse) to jump in
gu-hahamira (-ye) to set one's
heart on
gu-hahamuka (-tse) to jump, stir or
walk in one's sleep
gu-hahaza (-jije) 1. to rule over, to
dominate, 2. to mistreat, to oppress
gu-haga (-ze) 1. to begin to head
up (as grain), 2. to fight one bigger
than yourself, 3. to blow air into
(ball)
gu-hahiriza (-je) 1. to threaten, 2.
to scold severely
gu-hāga (-ze) 1. to be satisfied, to
gu-hakana (-nye) 1. to say no, to
aga-hahirizo (udu-) threat
be full, 2. to eat a lot
simpaze I am not satisfied
refuse, 2. to deny
gu-haga amatama to try to give
hāko (conj.) 1. rather than, 2. in
place of
gu-hakanira (-ye) to refuse at, for
a-ha (adv.) here
speech but feel restrained
gu-ha (-haye) 1. to give, to give to,
gu-hagarara (-ze) 1. to stand, stand hākuno (adv.) on this side (of river
up straight, 2. to stop, to halt, 3. to
or valley)
wait
hākurya (adv.) on the other side (of
ugu-hagarara standstill, stop,
river or valley)
stoppage, arrest, cessation
gu-hakwa (-tswe) 1. to almost meet
ugu-hagarara umutima congestive with accident but barely escape, 2.
heart failure
to be similar but not exactly the
same
igi-hagararo (ibi-) size, height
2. to provide
muradu-ha called before entering
kraal (knocking being impolite)
(from guha)
gu-ha agacīro to treasure, to value,
to cherish, hold dear, esteem,
gu-ha akarorero to give an
example, to set an example, to
model
gu-hagarika (-tse) 1. to stop (vt), to
aga-hama red (like mud)
cause to stand, 2. to arrest
gu-ha ikāze to welcome
gu-hagarika umutima 1. to be
gu-haba (-vye) 1. to go far away,
2. to leave the country
troubled, frightened, 2.
nervousness, anxiety, worry
gu-hama (-mye) 1. to hate very
strongly, 2. to be mean to, to
mistreat, 3. to persecute
igi-hababu 1. lack of foresight,
umu-hagatiro (imi-) large cloth
gu-hama (-mye) 1. to search for, 2.
to stay in one place permanently
poor foresight, 2. fear of losing
position
tied on shoulder
gu-hamagara (-ye) to call
gu-hababuka (-tse) to be startled,
gu-hāgīsha (-shije) to cause to be
satisfied, to satisfy with
gu-hamagarana (-nye) to call each
other, to invite each other
to jump in surprise
uru-hago (impago) bladder
gu-hamagarira (-ye) to call at, for
gu-habūka (-tse) to return from far
away
gu-haguruka (-tse) to get up, to
gu-hamagarirwa (-we) to be called
stand up
at, for
28
umu-hamagaro (imi-) calling
gu-hāmbururwa (-we) to be untied
gu-hamagarwa (-we) to be called
gu-hāmbwa (-mbwe) to be buried
i-hamagarwa (ama-) calling
i-hambwa (i-) burial (used usually
gu-hamagaza (-je) to be called, to
for animals)
aga-hanamo (udu-) cliff, steep
slope
gu-hanantuka (-tse) to fall from
high above
gu-hānayāmbu (Sw.) to shake
have one called
gu-hamiririza (-je) to dance at, for
hands
umu-hamagazi (aba-) lowest rank
in traditional Burundian
administration
gu-hamiriza (-je) to dance
men)
gu-hānda (-nze) 1. to prepare
ground (for amasaka), 2. to pierce,
scratch (e.g. with nail)
other, to persecute each other
aga-hamo (no pl.) hatred, refusal
umu-hānda (imi-) road, street
gu-hamāngira (-ye) 1. to pack
igi-hamo (ibi-) wide path or
iru-hānde beside, next to
gu-hamana (-nye) to persue each
umu-hamirizo (imi-) dance (of
cleared place
uru-hānde (impānde) side (not of
gu-hamānuka (-tse) to become
uru-hamo (no pl.) hatred, refusal
person)
clean, pure
gu-hāmvya (-mvye) 1. to meet, 2.
gu-hāmba (-mvye) 1. bury, 2. to
catch up with, 3. to board
gu-handīsha (-shije) 1. to cause to
pierce, 2. cause to prepare ground
dig in, dig under
umu-hāmvyi (aba-) one who helps
gu-hāndūra (-ye) to remove thorn
gu-hāmbana (-nye) to bury with
to bury, pallbearer
or sliver
(someone)
gu-hamya (-mye) 1. to declare,
gu-hāndūza (-je) to remove thorn
gu-hāmbāra (-ye) 1. to be wicked,
assert that a thing is true, to attest 2. with
witness
gu-hāndwa (-nzwe) to be pricked
down, 2. to get stuck
2. to be harsh, 3. to be tremendous,
4. to be very great, 5. to be violent
ubu-hamya 1. testimony, 2.
(by thorn)
hambavu beside, next to
declaration
ubu-hāmbāzi severity
gu-hana (-nnye) 1. to punish, 2.
rebuke, 3. scold
ama-hāne 1. cheekiness, 2.
argument, liking to argue, 3. quarrel
umu-hāmbāzi (aba-) harsh person,
difficult person, wicked person
hambewe (exclamation of
surprise)
gu-hāmbira (-ye) to bury at, for
gu-hāna (-nye) to give to each
other (from guha)
umu-hana (imi-) 1. village, 2.
neighbourhood, 3. locality, area
around village or dwelling
gu-hāmbīra (-riye) 1. to bind, to tie gu-hanagura (-ye) to wipe off
up, 2. to compel
gu-hanagurira (-ye) to wipe for, at
ugu-hambira bandage
gu-hanagurwa (-we) to be wiped
gu-hāmbīrana (-nye) to tie each
gu-hanaguza (-je) to cause to
other
wipe, wipe with
gu-hāmbīriza (-je) to cause to tie,
igi-hanaguzo (ibi-) rag
tie with
gu-hāmbīrwa (-riwe) to be tied
gu-hāmbīsha (-shije) to cause to
bury, bury by means of
gu-hāmburuka (-tse) to come
untied
gu-hanahana (-nye) to punish
repeatedly
gu-hānahāna (-nye) to give often
to each other
gu-hanama (-mye) to be above
gu-hamburura (-ye) to untie
29
aga-hānga (udu-) 1. forehead, 2.
crane, 3. severed head
gu-hānga (-nze) 1. to contemplate,
2. to invent
i-hānga (ama-) 1. nation, 2. foreign
country
ubu-hanga (no pl.) intelligence
umu-hānga (aba-) 1. skilled
person, 2. intelligent person, 3.
eloquent person
uru-hānga 1. forehead, 2. crane, 3.
severed head
gu-hānga amaso to stare at
gu-hāngama (-mye) 1. to be
strong, 2. to have authority (esp. of
kings or revered person), 3. pay
homage to a king
gu-hangana (-nye) 1. to be facing
each other, be directly in front of, 2.
stare at one another
gu-hanganya (-nije) to place
facing each other
umu-hānyu (imi-) one banana, one
head of grain, etc.
gu-hārīra (-riye) 1. to argue, 2. to
discuss, 3. to quarrel
gu-hangāra (-ye) 1. to be brave,
gu-hānyuka (-tse) 1. to sprain,
fearless, 2. to be firm, 3. to confront strain, 2. spread legs apart
i-hariri (ama-) silk, rayon, shiny
gu-hāngāza (-je) 1. to close
entrance with branches, 2. to
defend, protect (old meaning), 3. to
be almost time to do something
gu-hāririza (-je) 1. to speak
against, 2. to scold vehemently, 3.
to cause to argue
gu-hāngāza ukuboko to hold out
arms to receive something
hange kugenda ~ to go prepared
hanyuma (conj.) afterward, later,
later on, and then
gu-hānyura (-ye) 1. to prune, 2. cut
cloth
banana from stalk
gu-harirwa (-we) to be forgiven
gu-hānyurwa (-we) 1. to be
pruned, 2. be cut from stalk
gu-harisha (-shije) to scrape with
igi-haro (ibi-) lima bean
with everything planned
hānze (adv.) outside (of house)
umu-hānge (imi-) water pot
aga-hanzi migraine
haruguru (adv.) toward the top,
higher up, inner room
umu-hāngo (imi-) promise
ubu-hanzi (no pl.) bald headedness
gu-harura (-ye) to scrape off
gu-hāngūra (-ye) to ask someone
umu-hanzi (aba-) 1. singer, 2.
gu-harūra (-ye) to count
for what he's promised
musician, 3. performer (Rw.)
gu-hanira (-ye) to punish at, for,
gu-hara (-ze) 1. to scrape, 2.
(med.)
damage, 3. to tan hides, 4. to yelp,
5. purr, 6. to be lacking (usually
stative), to be incomplete
gu-harurana (-nye) to count each
because of
gu-hanirwa (-we) to be punished
at, for, because of
gu-hanisha (-shije) to cause to
punish, to punish with
gu-hānjagira (-nje) to compel
aga-haruramama (udu-) dropper
other
ibi-hara 1. chicken pox, 2. measles
gu-harurira (-ye) to count at, for
uru-harabuga (imparabuga) barren
igi-harūro (ibi-) number
place, bare place on a hill
umu-haruro (imi-) road or path
someone to do something against
his will
igi-harage (ibi-) bean
gu-hānjura (-ye) to trade, buy and
slate)
gu-haragura (-ye) to scratch (as
into the compound (rugo)
gu-haruruka (-tse) 1. to let up
work, 2. be bored with, 3. be
displeased with, 4. to abandon
sell
gu-harana (-nye) to scratch each
umu-hānjuzi (aba-) merchant
other
gu-harurwa (-we) to be scraped
hano (adv.) here, this right here
gu-haranira (-ye) to strive for
gu-harūrwa (-we) to be counted
igi-hano (ibi-) punishment
gu-harara (-ye) 1. to start up from
to warn, 3. to advise
ground (like locusts), 2. to be
fickle, 3. like for a short time, 4. to
like novelties, 5. follow a fad
gu-hanurira (-ye) to admonish at,
aga-hararo the end of loving
for, because of
another
gu-hanurwa (-we) to be
udu-harawe small red beans
gu-hanūra (-ye) 1. to admonish, 2.
harya (adv.) over there (not too far
away)
hārya by the way
i-hasa (ama-) twin
i-hanurwa prediction, forecast
discussion
gu-hasha (-hije) 1. to receive
something as a gift or loan but
return reluctantly and late, 2. to
chase out quickly, 3. to refuse to go
on helping someone
gu-hanuza (-je) to ask counsel
i-harifu (ama-) alphabet
hashobora maybe, perhaps
umu-hanuzi (aba-) 1. one who
gu-harira (-ye) 1. to forgive, 2. to
hāsi (adv.) on the ground, floor,
gives counsel, 2. prophet, seer
grant to, 3. to allow another to
dominate, 4. to scrape, etc., at, for
gu-hata (-se) to tighten a loose hoe
admonished
gu-hanwa (-nwe) to be punished
igi-hāri (ibi-) 1. argument, 2.
30
down, below
gu-hāta (-se) to compel someone to gu-hebēsha (-sheje) to cause to
do something against his will
forsake
gu-hava (-uye) to do as a
consequence
gu-hebēshwa (-shejwe) to be
caused to forsake
aga-hawa (no pl.) coffee
gu-hebura (-ye) to forsake
gu-haya (-ye) to glorify, honor,
exalt
igi-haya (ibi-) white potato
completely
aga-hebūza (udu-) one who
surpasses all others
ndagu-haye bwakeye Good
morning (to a superior)
gu-hebūza (-je) 1. to tell someone
that his friend has died, 2. to be
perfect, complete, absolutely
wonderful, 3. to surpass all others
either good or bad, 4. to deny
emphatically, 5. to discourage
gu-hayira (-ye) to praise for, before
gu-hebwa (-bwe) to be forsaken
gu-hayagiza (-je) to praise often
bira-haye it's enough (from guha)
others
gu-hēma (-mye) 1. to breathe, 2. to
live
i-hēma (ama-) (Sw.) tent
ugu-hēma respiration
gu-hemana (-nye) to be insincere
with each other
gu-hēmba (-mvye) to pay (esp. for
work done)
i-hēmbe (ama-) 1. horn (of
animal), 2. lot (in casting lots)
kurwara amahembe illness
resembling demon possession
udu-hembe feeler, antenna (of
insect)
igi-hefu (ibi-) mushroom (also
gu-hēmbera (-ye) to pay at, for
gu-haza (-jije) 1. to leave out,
omit, 2. lack, 3. to tan hides
igihefo)
gu-hembesha (-sheje) to demand
salary, to ask for wage
gu-hāza (-jije) 1. to satisfy, 2. to
finish milking a cow
to wipe up (esp. mother wiping
baby)
igi-haza (ibi-) pumpkin
hēhe where? (in questions only)
gu-hāzāna (-nye) 1. to disagree, 2.
to dispute, 3. to quarrel
aga-hehēra (no pl.) cold in chest,
gu-hembūka (-tse) 1. to regain life,
strength, 2. revive after fainting
hard cough
gu-hembūra (-ye) to revive (vt)
nda-hāze I am full, I am satisfied
umu-hazi (aba-) tanner
gu-hāzwa (-gijwe) to be satisfied
he which?
hē where? (in questions only)
igi-he (ibi-) 1. time, 2. season, time
period
igi-he c'imana God's time
igi-he c'izuba 1. summer time, 2.
autumn
igi-he runaka some time
gu-heha (-she) 1. to blow along, 2.
gu-hēka (-tse) to carry on back
igi-hembwe (ibi-) semester, school
gu-hekenya (-nye) to chew, to
term
nibble
gu-hemēsha (-sheje) to cause to
gu-hekenywa (-nywe) to be
breathe
chewed
aga-hemo (no pl.) irony
gu-hēkēsha (-sheje) to carry by
means of, help to carry on back
gu-hemuka (-tse) 1. to fail to keep
one's word, 2. to disappoint, 3. to
betray a secret
igi-hēko (ibi-) amulet, charm
(article supposed to have special
power to protect)
gu-hēkura (-ye) to take from back
gu-hēmūka (-tse) 1. to puff with
exertion, 2. to sigh, 3. to breathe
hard
gu-hēkwa (-tswe) to be carried on
gu-hemukira (-ye) 1. to disappoint,
gu-hebana (-nye) to forsake each
back
to fail another, 2. to deceive
gu-hema (-mye) 1. to offer but take
gu-hēnda (-nze) 1. to deceive, 2. to
be expensive
i-hebe ram, billy goat
gu-hebera (-ye) to forsake at, for,
because of
wage, 2. reward, 3. prize
ubu-hēhēsi (no pl.) lustful thinking gu-hembūrwa (-we) to be revived
and practices
gu-hēmbwa (-mbwe) to be paid, to
hejuru (adv.) above, up, on top
receive a salary
gu-heba (-vye) to leave, forsake
other
igi-hēmbo (ibi-) 1. pay, salary,
back, 2. to be insincere, 3. to make
fun of, 4. to be ironic, sarcastic
31
kw-hēnda (-ze) to be wrong, to err
igi-hendabaja red sun when very
igi-hepfo (ibi-) mushroom (also
umu-hereza wa vino w'umwami
low at night
igihefo)
(aba-) the king's cup bearer
gu-hēndahēnda (-nze) to deceive
in a light, joking way
gu-hera (-ze) 1. to finish (vi), come ubu-herezi (no pl.) priesthood
to an end, 2. to grind badly,
umu-hērezi (aba-) priest
coarsely, 3. to perish, to be dying
i-herezo (ama-) end, extremity
gu-hēra (-reye) 1. to begin from,
by, 2. to recompense, 3. give to,
gu-hērezwa (-jwe) to be presented
(prepositional form of guha)
igi-heri (ibi-) bedbug
i-hera (ama-) money, currency
i-hero (ama-) end
(from German Heller)
gu-hēndana (-nye) 1. to deceive
each other, 2. to be a skillful
deceiver
gu-hēndēsha (-sheje) to deceive
by means of
ibi-hēndo deceitfulness
uru-hēndo deceitfulness
gu-hēnduka (-tse) to be cheap
gu-hēndwa (-nzwe) to be deceived
gu-henebēra (-ye) 1. to perish, 2.
to come to an end
gu-heraheza (-je) 1. to finish
completely, 2. to accomplish, 3. to
perfect
gu-herana (-nye) to receive a loan
and then not pay back
umu-hero (imi-) end
gu-herūka (-tse) 1. to be last
(previous), 2. to have done recently,
3. to have been at, 4. to come to do
something
gu-heranira (-ye) 1. to refuse to
pay loan, 2. be dishonest
ubu-herūka (no pl.) 1. end, 2. the
manure
ama-here itch
gu-hērwa (-rewe) 1. to be
compensed, 2. be given
igi-henēhene (ibi-) eyelid turned
igi-here (ibi-) bedbug
back
uru-here itch
receive
gu-hēnga (-nze) to set a time, do
something at a set time
gu-herekeza (-je) 1. to accompany,
2. to follow
gu-hengama (-mye) 1. to tip head
to one side, 2. to lean over
gu-herekezwa (-jwe) 1. to be
followed, 2. to be accompanied
aga-heta (udu-) something better
than others of its kind, supreme
thing
ama-henehene (no pl.) goat
gu-hēngeka (-tse) 1. to lay a thing
on its side, 2. to tilt, to turn, 3. to
slant (vt)
aga-hēngekezo (no pl.) little place
of refuge, narrow escape, remnant
of clan or family
very last time, 3. finally, 4. at last
gu-hēsha (-sheje) to give, cause to
gu-heta (-se) to bend, curve (vt)
gu-herengetera (-ye) to be coming
gu-heta amabega to be hunch
to an end
shouldered
gu-herengeteza (-je) to finish (vt),
gu-hetama (-mye) to be bent,
to consume, finish completely
stooped
ama-hereni earrings
ibi-hetangabo times (e.g. number
of times)
gu-hēngēra (-reye) to wait the
gu-herēra (-reye) to place oneself,
right moment
to be located
gu-hetera inkoni to give cow (or
gu-hengēshanya (-nije) to speak
gu-hererana (-nye) 1. to surround
hesitantly (usually used with
negative)
(esp. country), 2. to be beside
other gift) a second time to one
who has brought many gifts
gu-henuka (-tse) to fall down (as
house)
gu-herereza (-je) 1. to put to one
side, 2. to offer at, for, in the name
of
gu-heterwa (-we) to receive a
second time
gu-hetēsha (-sheje) to cause to
bend
gu-henura (-ye) to tear down,
umu-hērerezi (aba-) youngest
cause to fall down
child, favorite child
umu-heto (imi-) bow, arch
uru-hererezi (impererezi) little
finger
gu-hetūra (-ye) to go, or spread
everywhere (vi)
gu-hēreza (-je) to give to
gu-hetwa (-swe) to be curved, bent
gu-henurwa (-we) to be torn down
hēpfo (adv.) down, below, down
there
umu-hereza (aba-) waiter
32
gu-heza (-je) 1. to finish, to
complete, to end (vt), 2. to achieve,
3. to conclude, 4. to exhaust
(often used for 'then' when one
action is directly followed by
another, e.g. Umwigisha ahanura
abana, araheza arabasezera = the
teacher admonished the children,
then he bid them goodbye)
gu-hihima (-mye) to speak where
others hear voice but cannot
distinguish words
gu-hīmba (-mvye) 1. to be satisfied
gu-hindaganywa (-nywe) to have a
chill with goose pimples
gu-hindagura (-ye) to change often
(rude), 2. to have plenty, 3. eat
plenty, 4. be drunk (used always in
a very negative way)
gu-hindagurika (-tse) to be
unstable, changeable
igi-hīmba (ibi-) part, half
back together
Umu-hindi (Aba-) Indian person
consecrate
gu-himbagura (-ye) to cut in many
pieces
gu-hēzagirira (-ye) to bless at, for
gu-hīmbāra (-ye) 1. to be happy, 2.
be beautiful, 3. to please, 4 . to be
agreeable, pleasing
gu-hindikirana (-nye) 1. to fall
down together (usually in fright), 2.
to become ill one after another
gu-hēzagira (-ye) 1. to bless, 2. to
umu-hēzagiro (imi-) blessing
gu-hindānura (-ye) to draw things
aga-hīmbare (udu-) beauty
gu-hindira (-ye) to close up
completely (esp. cows)
bless by means of
igi-hīmbāro (ibi-) pleasure
umu-hīndo (imi-) noise of rain,
gu-hibongoza (-je) to sing very
gu-hīmbārwa (-we) 1. to be
gu-hēzagirwa (-we) to be blessed
gu-hēzagiza (-je) to cause to bless,
thunder, etc.
nicely
pleased, 2. be happy
iki-hindu (ibi-) traditional gendercrossing priest
gu-higa (-ze) 1. to race, contest, 2.
gu-hīmbāza (-je) 1. to praise, 2. to
celebrate, 3. make beautiful
gu-hinduka (-tse) to change (vi)
gu-hīmbāzwa (-jwe) to be praised,
ugu-hinduka changing,
try to surpass another, 3. dispute, 4.
threaten
gu-hīga (-ze) to hunt (for game)
i-higanwa (ama-) competition
uru-hige (impige) grasshopper
umu-hīgi (aba-) hunter
uru-hīgi (impīgi) the hunt
gu-higima (-mye) to hesitate, to be
undecided
gu-higimānga (-nze) 1. to sigh
with disgust or displeasure, 2. to
hesitate, 3. to complain
gu-higira (-ye) 1. to contest for, 2.
to threaten to
gu-hīgira (-ye) to hunt at, for
made happy
uru-hīmbi (impīmbi) table, shelf
(for milk containers)
gu-hīmbira (-ye) 1. to steal
transformation (from guhinduka)
gu-hindukira (-ye) to turn around
(vi)
n'aga-hīndukira goodbye (see you
habitually, 2. to frequently stay
away from home, 3. to have long
hair
soon)
umu-himbiri (aba-) 1. urchin, child
(derogative), 2. street child, street
boy
gu-hindukiza (-je) to turn around
gu-hīmbura (-ye) 1. to chop tree, 2.
slice vegetables
gu-hīmburwa (-we) to be chopped
aga-hīnda (no pl.) sorrow, grief
gu-hindukiriza (-je) to turn toward,
turn back because of
(vt)
gu-hindura (-ye) 1. to change, to
modify (vt), to change the mind, 2.
to translate, 3. to transform, 4. to
adjust
gu-hindurwa (-we) to be changed,
turned
hīnga wait!
contest
gu-hīnda (-nze) 1. to turn away
(vt), to chase away, 2. tu rumble
(thunder)
gu-hīgīsha (-shije) to cause to hunt
igi-hīnda (ibi-) noise (as of wind,
uninhabited place
imi-higo threats
rain, running feet, etc.), by
extension: great number of things
gu-hīnga (-nze) to twist (as arm,
gu-hīnda agashitsi 1. to tremble,
shake, shiver, shudder, quiver, 2. to
have a chill
ubu-hīnga (no pl.) skillfulness,
gu-higīsha (-shije) to cause to
gu-hīgūka (-tse) to return from
hunting
gu-hīgwa (-zwe) to be hunted,
chased
33
aga-hīnga (no pl.) open space,
rope, etc.)
artificial intelligence, computer
science etc.
umu-hīnga (aba-) skilled person,
master of an art
umu-hīngamo (imi-) afternoon,
toward sundown
gu-hīngāna (-nye) to disagree
hīnge wait please! (polite)
gu-hīngītana (-nye) to hesitate
gu-hīngūra (-ye) 1. to answer (as
on exam), 2. find the solution, 3. to
repair or improve another's work, 4.
to exercise an art, trade, 5. be
skillful, to perfect, 6. to return from
running away
i-hinguriro (i-) factory
ubu-hinguriro industry
gu-hīngwa (-nzwe) to be twisted
umu-hini (imi-) handle (of hoe,
etc.)
gu-hinyuzwa (-jwe) to be
confounded, proved
gu-hita (-se) 1. to pass, to pass by,
2. to give diarrhea
gu-hīra (-riye) 1. to cook (vi), 2.
get ripe at, on, (prepositional form
of gusha)
gu-hitamwo (-semwo) to choose
(esp. an action)
i mu-hira (adv.) (no pl.) at home
in passing
mu-hira home
gu-hitanira (-ye) to take for
aga-hiri (no pl.) cold in head
ubu-hiri (ama-) stick, club
gu-hirika (-tse) 1. to slant, 2. place
obliquely
gu-hirīmba (-mvye) to hunt for
umu-hiro (imi-) lines or rows on
baskets or cloth (e.g. corduroy)
gu-hīrwa (-riwe) 1. to be fortunate,
to be lucky, 2. to be blessed, 3. to
be happy
ubu-hīrwe (ama-) 1. blessing, 2.
gu-hitana (-nye) 1. to take, 2. bring
someone in passing
gu-hitaniza (-je) to give something
to someone, to take in passing
umu-hiti (imi-) cucumber
gu-hitikirana (-nye) to be put away
or saved up for several years
(beans, etc.)
gu-hitira (-ye) 1. to be put away,
saved up for a year, 2. to be of the
previous year (beans, etc.)
igi-hitira (ibi-) something that's
been saved up for a year (beans,
etc.)
uru-hīnja (impīnja) tiny or
newborn baby
chance, good fortune, 3. privilege,
benefit, advantage, 4. fun
hīno (adv.) on this side
umu-hīrwe (aba-) fortunate person
gu-hinyagara (-ye) 1. to sprain, 2.
dislocate a bone, 3. to twist one's
foot
hīrya beyond, on the other side (of
something but still on this side of
river or valley)
for a year
gu-hinyiza (-je) 1. to limp, 2. to be
hīrya y'ējo 1. day before yesterday,
gu-hitwa (-swe) to have diarrhea
crippled
2. day after tomorrow
ugu-hitwa diarrhea
gu-hinyuka (-tse) to come to light,
aka-hise the past, history
imi-hivu long tassel, raphia
gu-hisha (-shije) (vt) to hide, to
hīyo on that side
be known
gu-hinyura (-ye) 1. to know the
conceal
facts of a case, to have judgment, to
gu-hīsha (-shije) to cook (vt)
see through deceit, to discover the
truth, 2. to turn against, 3. to scorn, umu-hīsha (imi-) steam
disdain
gu-hishanya (-nije) to hide
gu-hinyurana (-nye) to mistrust
something from each other
each other
gu-hishūka (-tse) to become
gu-hinyurwa (-we) to be
known, be revealed
confounded, exposed
gu-hishūra (-ye) 1. to reveal, to
aga-hinyuza (udu-) proof or
disclose, 2. remove from hiding
witness
gu-hishwa (-shijwe) to be hidden
gu-hinyuza (-je) 1. to check over a
gu-hīshwa (-shijwe) 1. to be
thing, 2. to prove, give proof, 3. to
cooked, 2. be burned
convince, 4. to verify, 5. to
condemn, 6. to disgrace, 7. to speak
truth, 8. to divine
34
gu-hitirana (-nye) to be put away
or saved up for several years
(beans, etc.)
gu-hitiza (-je) to save beans, etc.,
aga-hīza (no pl.) gray
uru-hīza (impīza) gray cow
ubu-hizi 1. handsomeness, 2.
praiseworthiness, 3. skill, 4.
courage
umu-hizi (aba-) 1. handsome or
skilled person, 2. courageous
person
ama-ho hi, hello (informal
greeting, short form of amahoro)
gu-hobera (-ye) to embrace, to hug
ama-hodoka about :00 (when cows
leave drinking place)
gu-hodoka (-tse) to quench one's
thirst, to cease to drink (esp. cows)
ugu-homesha uburembo collage
gu-hofōra (-ye) to rub eyes in
house, etc.)
gu-hora (-ze) 1. to cool (food or
order to see (esp. one who has been
sick with uburire, rheum)
gu-homvora (-ye) to tear down,
liquid) (vi), 2. to always do,
continue, be eternal, 3. to be silent,
become calm
hogi let's go!
aga-hogo (udu-) throat
ibi-hogo (no pl.) dark yellow,
brown
umu-hogo (imi-) throat
uru-hogo (in-) throat
uru-hōgo (impōgo) clamor,
shouting
igi-hogohogo (ibi-) esophagus
gu-hogōmboka (-tse) to speak
many words (usually quite
meaningless ones)
gu-hogora (-ye) 1. to shout, talk
loudly, 2. sing loudly
hoji let's go!
gu-homa (-mye) 1. to plaster,
whitewash, 2. stick together (vt)
ubu-homa (no pl.) 1. dirt (esp. on
body), 2. dirtiness
gu-hōmba (-mvye) 1. to be fragile
gu-homvoka (-tse) to fall (as
destroy
gu-hōmvya (-beje) to cause to lose
gu-hōra (-ye) to avenge, to harm in
gu-hona (-nnye) 1. to perish, 2. to
order to avenge
be sterile
umu-hōra (imi-) path made by
i-honda (ama-) sorghum
cows, esp. near houses
umu-hōndo (imi-) yellow
ama-honero (no pl.) destruction
gu-horahabona (-nye) to live near
a public place (where many pass
by)
gu-hōnga (-nze) 1. to bribe, 2.
offer presents, 3. make reparations
forever
igi-hōngo (ibi-) bribe
gu-hongoka (-tse) to come out (of
teeth, hoe handle, etc.)
gu-hongora (-ye) 1. to pull out
teeth, 2. to notch teeth
uru-hongore (impongore) 1. house
uru-hōmbo deficit, loss
gu-hōmbōka (-tse) to profit
gu-hombōza (-je) to use up or
wear out completely
gu-horēsha (-sheje) to console or
cool by means of
igi-hōri (ibi-) grasshopper
uru-horihori (imporihori) fontanel
noisily
--horo (adj.) not bitter (used esp.
with imyumbati)
gu-honnya (-neje) to destroy
ama-horo peace, (typical greeting:
gu-honoka (-tse) to rain heavily
n'amahoro)
gu-honōka (-tse) to bear prolificly
having been barren or fruitless
n'ama-horo 1. it it peace? is all
gu-honōra (-ze) to cause to bear
gu-honyagura (-ye) to stamp on,
trample
gu-honyānga (-nze) to trample,
uru-home (in-) wall
stamp on
gu-homeka (-tse) to stick (vi)
gu-honyora (-ye) 1. to step on,
aga-homerabunwa (no pl.)
trample on, crush with feet, 2.
destroy, tear down, 3. make tracks
astonishing thing
gu-horereza (-je) 1. to appease,
calm, 2. to silence
gu-hongoroka (-tse) to fall with a
igi-hōmba (ibi-) lump (as in food)
igi-hōmbo (ibi-) deficit, loss
be perfect
aga-hōri (udu-) grasshopper
gu-hongorora (-ye) to cause to fall
ubu-hōmbe (no pl.) deficit, loss
aga-hore (no pl.) kuba agahore to
for animals, 2. sheepfold
din
appears to be strong but is weak
gu-horaho (-zeho) to be eternal,
gu-hōngera (-ye) 1. to pay homage U-horaho the Lord (lit. eternal
to, 2. to bribe, 3. to make
one)
reparations
gu-horana (-nye) to always have,
igi-hongo (ibi-) pile of rocks
be with
(esp. of clay pot), 2. to be poorly
made, 3. to lose, make no profit
igi-hōmbe (ibi-) something which
gu-honyorwa (-we) to be trampled
on, crushed
35
well? (as question), 2. it is peace!
it's all well! (as answer)
umu-horo (imi-) long handled
curved knife
gu-horōra (-ye) to give gift to
bride so she'll talk
igi-hororo (ibi-) pure white cow
gu-horōrwa (-we) to refuse to
speak (bride) until given money
uru-horwe (no pl.) unmixed beer
gu-humānywa (-nijwe) to be
warn, 3. advise, 4. comfort, 5. to
propose, suggest
defiled
igi-hugu (ibi-) 1. country, 2. nation
gu-humba (-vye) to glean
aga-hugūgu (udu-) musical
instrument (with string)
gu-hūmba (-mvye) 1. to lie, 2.
deceive, 3. do shameful things
i-hūmbi (ama-) materials for
building a house
umu-hotora (imi-) rope made from
gu-hugūmba (-mvye) 1. to wander
from place to place, to not stay at
home, 2. to be fearful, uncertain, 3.
to be double-minded
papyrus
gu-hūha (-she) to blow, to stoke
gu-hotoranya (-nye) to wrestle
(fire)
gu-hotorera (-ye) to twist at, for
iki-huha (ibi-) calling horn or
trumpet, musical instrument
(undiluted)
hōse (adv.) 1. everywhere, 2.
throughout (from -ōse)
hotēri (ama-) hotel
i-hoteri (ama-) hotel
gu-hotora (-ye) to twist, to wring
gu-hotorora (-ye) to untwist
gu-hotorwa (-we) to be twisted
gu-hūhira (-ye) to blow at, for
gu-hūhīsha (-shije) to cause to
igi-hūmbi (ibi-) thousand
gu-humbira (-ye) 1. to cut trees for
building, 2. gather building
materials
gu-humbirira (-ye) to get building
materials at, for
gu-humbiza (-je) to help gather
building materials
gu-hōyahōya (-ye) 1. to try to
hinder from doing wrong, 2. to
coax, 3. to reassure
blow, help to blow, blow with
gu-hoza (-jeje) 1. to cause to cool,
gu-hūhūta (-se) to blow hard
to calm down, 2. to appease, 3. to
console, comfort, reassure
gu-hūhūta (-she) to blow hard
igi-hūmbu (ibi-) 1. illegitimate
child, 2. dishonest person, 3.
untrustworthy, unwise, 4. one who
won't stay home, vagabond,
gadabout
(rare)
ubu-hūmbu (no pl.) evil deeds,
umu-hōzi (aba-) avenger
igi-hūhūta (ibi-) whirlwind, heavy
wickedness
igi-hozo (ibi-) lullaby
wind
gu-humbūra (-ye) to deceive, cheat
gu-hozwa (-jejwe) 1. to be
gu-hūhwa (-shwe) to be blown on
umu-humbūzi (aba-) deceiver,
appeased, 2. be comforted, 3. be
cooled
ubu-huku (no pl.) cave, den (of
thief
wild animals, as in rocks)
ibi-humbwa gleanings
uru-hu (impu) skin
gu-huma (-mye) to be blind
gu-huba (-vye) 1. to be lost, 2. be
gu-hūma (-mye) to howl (like
igi-hūme (ibi-) spirit, superhuman
thing, a one-armed and one-legged
ghost with grass growing out of its
ears that lives in the valley (used as
a serious insult)
igi-hūhūsi (ibi-) very strong wind
mistaken
hyena or owl)
i-huba (ama-) dry banana leaf
igi-huma (ibi-) deep hole in ground
in a grassy place where pregnant
girls and lepers were thrown
igi-hubahuba (ibi-) bark of banana
tree
gu-hubana (-nye) to pass but not
gu-humaguza (-je) to blink a lot in
meet
trying to see
gu-humiriza (-je) to close one's
gu-hubīsha (-shije) to cause to go
gu-humāna (-nye) to be dirty,
astray
unclean, defiled
gu-hubūka (-tse) 1. to find one's
way (after being lost), 2. to
understand
ubu-humāne (no pl.) uncleanness
clean, to become pure
gu-hubura (-ye) to dig and break
gu-humānura (-ye) 1. to purify, 2.
through to hollow place
gu-hubūra (-ye) 1. to show the
way, put on the right path, 2. to
gu-humēka (-tse) 1. to breathe,
breathing, 2. to gasp, 3. to sigh, 4.
to breath into, inspire
eyes
gu-humirwa (-we) 1. to be
gu-humānuka (-tse) to become
make clean
unfortunate, to be unlucky,
luckless, hapless, 2. be in difficulty,
3. 'haven't got a chance'
gu-humīsha (-shije) to blind
gu-humūka (-tse) to see after being
gu-humānya (-nije) 1. to dishonor,
2. defile, make unclean
36
blind
gu-humūra (-ye) to open the eyes
of another
gu-hūngana (-nye) to flee together
aga-hūngarēma (udu-) bat
gu-hūmura (-ye) 1. to become
(animal)
calm, 2. to recover from fear or
anger, 3. to be old but still strong
gu-hūngira (-ye) to flee to
igi-hūmura (ibi-) thing or person
ubu-hūngiro (no pl.) refuge
stricken with fear
gu-hūngīsha (-shije) to cause to
i-hūmure comfort, peace
flee
umu-humure (aba-) male adult
uru-hūngo (impūngo) flight,
gu-hūmuriza (-je) 1. to comfort, 2.
reveal what is false
umu-hūngu (aba-) boy, son
aga-humuza (no pl.) goodbye
gu-hura (-ze) 1. to refuse to eat
what you've always eaten, 2. to take
objects out of flesh (as witch
traditional doctor supposedly does)
gu-hūra (-ye) 1. to beat out beans,
grain, to thresh, 2. to meet, to
encounter, to get together with
gu-hurira (-ye) 1. to itch, 2. to have
an eruption
fleeing
gu-hūrira (-ye) 1. to meet at, 2. to
thresh at, for
i-hūriro (ama-) 1. meeting place, 2.
gu-hūnguka (-tse) 1. to return from appointment
fleeing, 2. to fall from stalk
igi-hungur amabebe light rain that
gu-hūrīsha (-shije) 1. to cause to
meet, 2. to cause to thresh
ubu-hūmvyi (no pl.) deceit
makes these seeds fall off just
before rainy season really starts
gu-huriza (-je) to cause an eruption
umu-hūmvyi (aba-) deceiver
gu-hungura (-ye) 1. to rubb off
aga-huru (no pl.) early morning
gu-humūza (-je) to cause to open
eyes
uru-humyi shortsightedness
dirt, 2. to shell maize
gu-hunguruka (-tse) to drop fruit
gu-huna (-nnye) 1. to forget how to (tree)
do something you once knew, 2. to
forsake
gu-hungurukira (-ye) to fall on
igi-huna (ibi-) owl
gu-hungurura (-ye) 1. to cause
gu-hūnda (-nze) 1. to wear many
clothes, 2. to form grains
igi-hūnda (ibi-) dry banana leaves
umu-hūnda (imi-) stick with nail
in the end of it, metal on end of
spear (not the point)
gu-hūndagara (-ye) 1. to be struck
by lightning, 2. to fall to ground
gu-hūndagaza (-je) to strike
fruit or grain to fall, 2. to shake
umu-hūngwabo (aba-) nephew
(son of brother)
just before dawn
bi-hurugūshwi kwumva
bihurugushwi to be unable to hear
well
gu-hurūra (-ye) to be coarse (meal)
igi-hururu (ibi-) one who can't
keep a secret or says inappropriate
things
umu-hururu (imi-) row, line of
umu-hūngwācu (aba-) nephew
(son of brother)
people, animals or objects
gu-hūrwa (-we) to be threshed
umu-hūngwanyu (aba-) nephew
(son of brother)
gu-husha (-shije) 1. to aim and
miss, 2. fail to find
uru-huni (no pl.) forgetting one's
skill or errand
uru-husha (impusha) 1.
(thunder)
gu-hunikira (-ye) to be sleepy
permission, 2. rest, 3. vacation, 4.
week
ibi-hūndahūnda dry banana leaves
gu-hunisha (-shije) to cause
another to forsake
gu-hushagirika (-tse) to go
uncertain of the way
gu-hūnja (-nje) to clear away grass
or brush in order to see path or
object
igi-hute (ibi-) boil, abscess
i-hunja spectacular women's dance,
gu-huvya (-bije) to lead astray
wind) (vi)
with sudden rapid movement in an
arc, led by the head and shoulders,
Mugamba and Kirimiro region
gu-hūngabanya (-nije) to blow (vt)
gu-hunyereza (-je) to squint
gu-hūza (-je) 1. to put together, 2.
to cause to meet, 3. to connect, to
couple, to associate, 4. to
coordinate
gu-hūnyiza (-je) to be sleepy
gu-hūza (-jije) to cause to thresh
i-hūndo (ama-) sorghum (sing.
refers to one grain)
gu-hūndukwa (-tswe) 1. to forget
for a moment, 2. be confused
gu-hūnga (-nze) to flee
gu-hūngabana (-nye) to blow (in
37
Umu-hutu (aba-) Hutu (person)
igi-hūza (ibi-) fool
ugu-hūza 1. connection, 2.
coordination, 3. synchronisation, 4.
harmonization
gu-hūza imitima to agree
gu-hūza inama to take council
together
gu-huzēngwa (-nwe) 1. to shake in
aga-hwēkēre (no pl.) stillness,
kw-ībana (-nye) to steal from each
quiet
other
gu-hwēra (-reye) to die
umu-hwēre (aba-) dying person
kw-ībāna (-nye) to live alone, by
oneself
ic-ībare (ivy-) 1. corner of field
belonging to each child, 2.
gu-hwērerana (-nye) to die with, in possession (esp. fields or lands), 3.
chosen people
the arms of
gu-hwērera (-reye) to die at, for
the wind, 2. to stagger, 3. to be
floppy
gu-hwēreza (-je) to cause to die
gu-huzēnwa (-nywe) to shake in
(animal)
gu-hwerwa (-we) to be weaned
kw-ībarīrira (-ye) to sew for
oneself
kw-ībaza (-jije) 1. to ask oneself, 2.
to wonder
the wind
gu-hweza (-je) to wean (of
aga-hūzu (udu-) small cloth,
animals)
loincloth
umu-hwi (imi-) ripe banana
igi-hūzu (ibi-) very large cloth
gu-hwibira (-riye) to be twilight
uru-hūzu very large cloth
time
aga-hwa whistle, hiss
gu-hwihwisha (-she) 1. to not be
certain who a person is, 2. to go
carefully because you don't know
the path well
kw-ībira (-ye) 1. to sink, plunge in,
2. to steal at, for
uru-hwijima (impwijima) very nice
kw-ībirira (-ye) to plunge in, at
i-hwa (ama-) thorn
kuvuza uru-hwa to whistle
uru-hwa (no pl.) whistle, hiss
gu-hwahuka (-tse) to be light (in
weight)
gu-hwahura (-ye) to make light
(weight)
kw-ībibira (-ye) to plant for oneself
kw-ībikira (-ye) to put away for
oneself
clothes (colorful)
gu-hwīnyiriza (-je) to squint
gu-hwirima (-mye) to speak where
others hear voice but cannot
distinguish words
gu-hwāmika (-tse) 1. to put down,
2. prevent from speaking, 3. to
calm, appease
kw-ībesha (-she) 1. to err, to be
wrong, 2. to deceive oneself
kw-ībirana (-nye) to plunge in with
kw-ībisha (-shije) to cause to steal
kw-ībiza (-je) to submerge, plunge
(vt)
kw-ībizwa (-jwe) to be submerged
ic-ībo (ivy-) flat, small basket
I
gu-hwāna (-nye) 1. to meet, 2. to
kw-īboha (-she) to tie oneself
kw-ībona (-nye) to be proud
be in agreement, 3. to match, to be
equal
i 1. at, 2. to
n'aga-hwāne goodbye
kw-ība (-vye) 1. to steal, to thieve,
gu-hwānya (-nije) to cause to
2. to rob
meet, agree, join together
service of Kiranga
ubw-ība (no pl.) 1. thievery, 2. time
kw-ībuka (-tse) to remember
woman spends in house between
birth of child and time she goes out
ic-ībukiriza (ivy-) remembrance,
reminder
kw-ībabaza (-je) to cause oneself
to suffer, to agonize
kw-ībukīsha (-shije) to cause to
remember
kw-ībagira (-ye) to forget
gu-hwebutsa (-kije) 1. to watch
kw-ībagirira (-ye) to forget at, for
gu-hwāta (-se) to peel
gu-hwēba (-vye) to look at
carefully
igi-hwēba (ibi-) one dedicated to
ic-i (no pl.) dry season, summer
ubw-ībone (no pl.) pride
kw-ībonekeza (-je) to show oneself
kw-ībonesha (-sheje) to show
oneself
out for danger, 2. examine carefully kw-ībagirwa (-we) to be forgotten
kw-ībagiza (-je) to cause to forget
38
ak-ībuko (utw-) remembrance,
reminder
umw-ībuko (imy-) remembrance,
reminder
kw-ībūmba (-mvye) to be round
kw-īcarira (-ye) to sit on
ic-īcaro (ivy-) chair, any place to
sit
kw-īfuriza (-je) to desire for
kw-īfūtānya (-nye) 1. to revert, go
backward, 2. get thinner, 3. to act
foolishly, ignorantly
kw-ībūmbabūmba (-mvye) to be
kw-īcazwa (-jwe) to be invited to
round
sit
kw-ībūra (-ye) 1. to reveal oneself,
2. announce oneself
kw-īcira (-ye) to kill at, for
kw-ībūranya (-nije) to reason
death on the spot
within oneself
kw-īciraho (-yeho) to punish by
kw-īcisha (-shije) to cause to kill,
kw-īburuka (-tse) 1. to come up out to kill with
of water, 2. to flow
kw-īcumba (-mvye) to be wrapped
kw-īburungushura (-ye) to be
round (as ball)
iburyo (adv.) to the right, right-
hand
kw-īfubika (-tse) 1. to clothe
oneself, 2. to wrap
up together
kw-īcungura (-ye) to pay to make
up for wrong doing
kw-īcunguza (-je) to redeem
kw-īfūza (-je) 1. to wish, 2. to
desire, 3. to covet, to envy
ic-īfuzo (ivy-) strong wish, desire,
covetousness, coveting
kw-īfūzwa (-jwe) to be coveted,
desired
kw-īfyikinyura (-ye) to wash
oneself in lots of water
kw-īga (-ze) 1. to learn, to study, 2.
to read
kw-ībutsa (-kije) to remind
oneself
ic-ībutso (ivy-) reminder
kw-īcura (-ye) to dread
(from kwīga)
kw-ībutswa (-kijwe) to be
kw-īcuza (-jije) to regret
kw-īgaba (-vye) 1. to rule oneself,
be independent, 2. to do as one
pleases
reminded
kw-ībuza (-jije) 1. to hinder
oneself, 2. deprive oneself
kw-ībwa (-bwe) to be stolen
kw-ībwira (-ye) to put on new bark,
kw-icwa n'inzara to starve
kw-īdegēmvya (-mvye) to have
liberty, freedom
umw-īdegēmvyo liberty, freedom
new growth
kw-ībwīra (-ye) 1. to tell oneself, 2.
to conjecture, suppose
umw-īdodōmbo (imy-) 1.
complaint, 2. muttering, grumbling
kw-ībwiza (-je) to cause to put on
kw-īdōga (-ze) 1. to fume and fret,
kw-īca (-she) to kill, to slay
kw-īca inyōta to quench one's thirst
kw-īcana (-nye) to kill each other
ubw-īcanyi (no pl.) murder
2. to be cross, 3. to gripe, 4. hold
hard feelings
kw-īdohōra (-ye) 1. to get away
secretly, 2. sneak out of an
argument or obligation, 3. to slip
out little by little (of nail, etc.)
kw-īfasha (-shije) to help oneself
umw-īcanyi (ab-) murderer
vy-ifashe gute What's up?
kw-īcara (-ye) to sit
(greeting)
kw-īcarana (-nye) to sit together
kw-īfata (-she) 1. to treat oneself,
ni mw-icare Please sit down
kw-īgamba (-mvye) to brag (about
oneself)
kw-īdodōmba (-mvye) to complain
new growth
umw-īga (ab-) apprentice, learner
kw-īgāna (-nye) 1. to imitate, 2. to
replicate, to reproduce, to copy, 3.
to study with
kw-īgānira (-ye) to tell to others
what you've heard
kw-īgānwa (-nywe) to be imitated
kw-īganyira (-ye) 1. to be anxious,
worried, 2. to be grieved
kw-īganza (-nje) 1. to rule oneself,
2. to be independent, 3. to be
emancipated
kw-īgaragura (-ye) 1. to toss and
thresh about, 2. to kill oneself
kw-īgaramangira (-ye) 1. to be
conduct oneself, have a certain
bearing, 2. to control onself
kw-īcarika (-tse) to cause to sit, to
umw-ifato (imy-) character,
cause to stay
behaviour
kw-īcarikwa (-tswe) to be caused to
kw-īfuba (-vye) to clothe oneself
sit, to be caused to stay on
39
idle, 2. neglect one's work
kw-īgaranzura (-ye) to depart from
respected person
nd-īgaranzuye (greeting, said
when taking leave from a respected
person)
kw-īgarukana (-nye) to return of
umw-īgīsha wa kaminuza
one's will
professor (at university)
kw-īgarura (-ye) 1. to leave off
speaking evil and speak kindly, 2.
be converted
other
kw-īgaya (-ye) 1. to hate oneself, 2.
to regret
uruy-ige (inz-) locust, grasshopper
kw-īgemagema (-mye) 1. to go to
a man's house to entice him, 2. to
go to a meal uninvited
kw-īgīshanya (-nije) to teach each
kw-īhana (-nnye) 1. to confess, 2.
to correct oneself, to discipline
oneself, be converted, 3. to repent
kw-īhanagura (-ye) to wipe oneself
imy-īgīshe teaching, doctrine
kw-īgishiriza (-je) to teach at
kw-īgishirizwa (-jwe) to be taught
at
iny-īgīsho (iny-) teaching
kw-īgīshwa (-shijwe) to learn
umw-īgeme (ab-) young girl
umw-īgīshwa (ab-) pupil, student
kw-igemura (-ye) to elope, go to
ubw-īgobeko (no pl.) depth (of
husband without being properly
married (kwigemura ku mugabo)
heart)
kw-īhanaguza (-je) to wipe oneself
with
kw-īhandūra (-ye) to take out
sliver for oneself
kw-īhāngāna (-nye) 1. to endure,
to be patient, 2. to wait
(said when patience is needed or
expected, like a consolation)
ukw-īhāngāna patience, endurance
urw-īhāngāne (no pl.) patience
kw-īgora (-ye) to make it hard for
kw-īhanganira (-ye) to be patient
kw-īgenera (-ye) 1. to do
oneself
with
something of oneself without
authority, 2. boast of what one will
do, 3. to attribute to oneself
kw-igorora (-ye) to straighten
kw-īhanikiriza (-je) 1. to warn, 2.
oneself, to stretch oneself
to threaten, 3. send in a hurry
ubw-igēnge 1. freedom, 2.
kw-īgumira (-ye) 1. to persist, 2. be
independence
energetic
kw-īhaniza (-je) 1. to forbid, 2.
warn against
kw-īgūnga (-nze) 1. to be selfish,
keep
things for oneself, 2. to do
2. to have done, 3. to arrive at (e.g.
har'aho wigeze kumubona? – have something alone
you ever seen him?)
kw-īgūngagiza (-je) to be selfish
kw-īgereranya (-nye) 1. to make
kw-īgūngana (-nye) to be selfish
oneself equal to another, 2. to
compare oneself with another
kw-īgūngirako (-yeko) to be
selfish, take everything for oneself
kw-īgereza (-je) to help oneself
(even if you don't know how to do
kw-īgura (-ze) 1. to sacrifice for, 2.
the thing)
give up everything
kw-īgera (-ze) 1. to try on clothes,
kw-īgina (-nnye) 1. to rejoice in
coming of another, 2. be very
happy
ic-igwa (ivy-) lecture, course
kw-īhanukīra (-ye) 1. to declare
strongly, 2. to do forcefully
kw-īhariza (-je) to have a thing by
oneself
kw-īharūra (-ye) to count oneself
kw-īhata (-se) to force oneself
kw-īhaya (-ye) to praise oneself
kw-īhayagiza (-je) to praise oneself
often
get for oneself, 2. to steal
kw-īheba (-vye) 1. to be
discouraged completely, to despair,
2. to sacrifice oneself to or for
together, in each other
urw-īha (imp-) flock of little birds
kw-īhebūra (-ye) to be discouraged
kw-īginira (-ye) to rejoice over
kw-īhahiriza (-je) to guard oneself
kw-īhēra (-reye) to give of one's
own accord
kw-īgīra (-ye) 1. to go, 2. to depart,
kw-īhakana (-nye) to deny
kw-īha (-haye) 1. to give to oneself,
kw-īginana (-nye) to rejoice
3. make oneself to go, to depart
ukw-īgīra sindabibazwa laxity
kw-īgirira (-ye) to do to, for oneself
kw-īherēra (-reye) to be alone
kw-īhamba (-mvye) to bury oneself
kw-īhererana (-nye) to be alone
kw-īhāmbīra (-ye) 1. to give
oneself to, 2. to tie or attach oneself
to
kw-īgīsha (-shije) to teach
with
kw-īhereza (-je) 1. to offer oneself,
2. to consecrate oneself
kw-īhamburura (-ye) to untie
umw-īgīsha (ab-) teacher
kw-īhindukiza (-je) to turn oneself
oneself
about
40
kw-īhindura (-ye) to change,
nd-ikebanuye goodbye (to a
transform oneself
superior)
kw-īhisha (-shije) to hide oneself
ndakw-īkebanuye goodbye (used
kw-īkubiranya (-nije) 1. to fold
itself repeatedly, 2. to do the same
exercise repeatedly
when adressing a superior)
kw-īkubita (-se) to strike oneself
urw-īhisho (imp-) secretly
kw-īkebukana (-nye) to go aside
with someone to talk privately
kw-īkubita hasi to fall down before
kw-īhonda (-nze) to strike oneself
kw-īkēkako (-tseko) to think, to
before
ubw-īhisho (no pl.) hiding place
(as with hammer)
kw-īhonga (-nze) to pay bribe to
win one's case
kw-īhorera (-ye) to be silent
kw-īhumanya (-nije) to defile
doubt oneself
kw-īkubita imbere to fall down
kw-īkumīra (-riye) to withdraw
kw-īkemūra (-ye) to have hair
shaved off
kw-īkēnga (-nze) to mistrust
oneself, to separate from others
kw-īkūnda (-nze) to love oneself,
be selfish, to be egoistic
oneself
kw-īkenura (-ye) to relieve one's
kw-īkūndiriza (-je) to make others
own need
like you
kw-īhumūra (-ye) to wash in one's
eyes, rub sleepers from one's eyes
iki what?
ubw-īkūnzi self-respect
kw-īkīnga (-nze) to hide behind
kw-īkūra (-ye) 1. to take oneself
away, 2. to free oneself
kw-īhūta (-se) to hurry, to speed, to
be faster
kw-īhwēza (-je) 1. to examine, to
look at carefully, intently, 2. to
search, 3. to contemplate, 4. to
envision, to imagine
kw-ījajara (-ye) to die, to peg out,
kw-īkingīra (-riye) to be in one's
kw-īkwega (-ze) to drag oneself
own light
kw-īkingiriza (-je) to shelter
oneself behind
kw-ikira (-ye) to intervene
kw-īkirānura (-ye) to defend
to die a wretched death (rude, used
of a person scorned by others)
oneself
kw-ījijānya (-nye) to be puzzled,
kw-īkiza (-jije) to save oneself
not know what to do
umw-iko (imy-) trowel
ic-ījīji (ivy-) 1. shadow, 2.
kw-īkomeretsa (-keje) to hurt
reflection, 3. specter
oneself
umw-ījima darkness, dark
umw-īkomo (imy-) hard feelings,
kw-ījīrwa (-riwe) to be sad, utterly
crossness, discontentment
downcast
kw-īkōmvōmvora (-ye) to cleanse
house ceremoniously after a death
kw-īkakīsha (-shije) to be proud,
show off, puff oneself up
along, go with difficulty
kw-īma (-mye) 1. to deny, to refuse
to give, to withhold, 2. to become
king, to ascend to the throne, 3. to
go to male, to copulate (only of
female animals)
kw-īma ku ngoma to come to the
throne
kw-īmana (-nye) to be selfish, to
refuse to give to another
kw-īmanika (-tse) to hang oneself
kw-imanya (-nye) to be in heat
(animals)
kw-īmānya (-nye) 1. to boast, be
proud, 2. to split in two (vi)
kw-īkānga (-nze) to fear, to be
kw-īkora (-ze) 1. to prepare to go,
2. to touch oneself
kw-īmba (-mvye) to dig
worried
kw-īkorakora (-ye) to feel of
imbere before, inside, in front of
kw-īkangura (-ye) to awaken, to
oneself
kw-īmbira (-ye) to dig at, for
wake up (vi)
kw-īmbirira (-ye) to plan secretly to
kw-īkanya (-nye) to go walking
kw-īkorera (-ye) 1. to carry (esp.
on head), 2. to work for oneself
(esp. at night or of king)
umw-ikorezi (ab-) porter, carrier
kw-īmbīsha (-shije) to cause to dig,
kw-īkebana (-nye) to take someone
kw-īkoroza (-je) to make oneself
dig with
aside
cough
umw-īmbu (imy-) 1. return of an
investment, 2. produce, production,
3. harvest
kw-īkebanura (-ye) to end a
conversation
41
do something
kw-īmbura (-ye) 1. to harvest, 2. to
put away the harvest, (from
umwīmbu)
kw-īmurwa (-we) to be moved,
kw-īnōnōra (-ye) to exercise, to do
copied
gymnastics
kw-īmyīra (-riye) to blow one's
nose, to wipe one's nose
ukw-īnōnōra exercise
kw-īmburira (-ye) to harvest at, for
ivy-īmburwa harvest, crop
i bw-īna (no pl.) depths (water)
kw-īmburwa (-we) to be harvested
inabukwe (ba inabukwe-) mother-
kw-īmbuza (-je) to help to harvest
umw-īmbuzi (ab-) harvester
--īnshi (adj.) 1. many, 2. much, 3.
several
kenshi often
kw-īnukiriza (-je) to smell (bad
in-law
inarugo (ba inarugo-) wife (as
odor) (vt)
manager of the household)
kw-īnura to take grain out of water
kw-īmbwa (-mbwe) to be dug
inasenge sister of his, her, their
kw-īnyegeza (-je) to hide oneself
kw-īmenya (-nye) to know oneself
father
iry-īnyo tooth (pl. amēnyo)
kw-īmenyereza (-je) to exercise,
kw-īnegura (-ye) renounce oneself
practice
kw-īnezereza (-je) to please
umw-īmenyereza (imy-) exercise,
oneself
practice
kw-īngīnga (-nze) to beseech, to
umw-īmenyerezo (imy-) exercise,
beg
practice
kw-īngīngira (-ye) to beseech at,
kw-īmeza (-jeje) to come up of
for
itself (plant)
kw-īngīngīsha (-shije) to cause to
ind-imi tongues (pl. of ururimi)
beseech
kw-īmika (-tse) to make king, place
kw-īngīngwa (-nzwe) to be begged
kw-īnyugunura (-ye) to brush the
teeth
kw-īnyugunyura (-ye) to rinse the
mouth, brush the teeth
kw-īnyuguta (-se) to wriggle and
twist
kw-īnyuguza (-je) to rinse
kw-īpfuka (-tse) to cover oneself
kw-īpfukurura (-ye) to uncover
on throne, to enthrone
from
oneself
kw-īmikwa (-tswe) to be made
ingo come!
kw-īpfutsa (-kije) to cool oneself
umw-īngo (imy-) goiter
kw-īmira (-ye) to refuse for (a
certain reason)
kw-īpfūza (-je) 1. to wish, 2. to
desire, 3. to covet, to envy
kw-īniga (-ze) to strangle oneself,
hang oneself
ukw-īpfūza envy, jealousy,
kw-īmīsha (-shije) to cause to
kw-īnika (-tse) 1. to put to soak
king, to be enthroned
enviousness, covetousness
refuse
(esp. grain), 2. to cause to sprout
kw-īpima (-mye) to test oneself
kw-īmosha (-sheje) to have one's
kw-īnikira (-ye) to make sprout at,
ic-īra (no pl.) melancholy
hair cut
for
kw-īmotereza (-je) to smell (good
utw-ininga without pity, without
kw-īra (-je) 1. to get dark, to be
night, 2. to get late
regarding
ubw-īra (no pl.) 1. twilight, 2.
ivy-īnjira income, revenue
earnestness at a task
kw-īnjira (-ye) to enter, to come
kw-īraba (-vye) to paint oneself
into
kw-īrāba (-vye) to look at oneself
odor) (vi)
kw-īmuka (-tse) to move to new
locality
kw-īmukana (-nye) to move with,
take with
kw-īmukira (-ye) to move to, for (a
reason)
kw-īmura (-ye) 1. to move (vt), 2.
to copy, 3. to take grain out of
water
kw-īnjirana (-nye) to enter with
kw-īrabura (-ye) 1. to be black, 2.
umw-īnjiro (imy-) garment with
to be dark
sleeves or armholes
umw-irabura (ab-) African person,
kw-īnjiza (-je) to cause to enter
black person
īno (adv.) here, this side, this part
42
kw-īraburanirwa (-we) 1. to be
pale, 2. to be emaciated, 3. to waste
away from illness
umw-īrabure (ab-) African person,
black person
kw-īrabuza (-je) to make black
kw-īrabuzwa (-jwe) to be made
black
kw-īrahuruza (-je) 1. to fail to keep
kw-īrimbūra (-ye) 1. to think, to
ubw-īrukiro (no pl.) refuge
consider, to weigh pros and cons, 2.
kw-īrunda (-nze) to accumulate,
to acknowledge to oneself one's
pile
up (vi)
guilt
kw-īrinda (-nze) 1. to be careful, 2.
urw-īrūngo (inz-) mist, haze
to protect oneself
urw-īrūngu haze, mist
kw-īrīra (-ye) to be overtaken by
kw-īrūra (-ye) 1. to comfort, assist
one in trouble of grief, 2. to
encourage oneself
nightfall
kw-īriranwa (-nywe) to spend the
day together
umw-īrīri (imy-) bridge of nose
kw-īrūza (-je) to encourage,
strengthen
ubw-īrakabiri (no pl.) eclipse,
kw-īririra (-ye) 1. to weep for
ukw-irwanira 1. fight, 2. resistance
darkness in daytime
oneself, 2. to be worried
ukw-irwanira kw'umubiri
kw-īramvura (-ye) 1. to finish
kw-īrirwa (-riwe) to spend all day,
completely (vt or vi), 2. to stretch
out (vi), 3. to devote oneself to task
in order to finish it
to last all day
kw-īsabira (-ye) to pray for oneself
kw-īrirwako (-weko) to spend the
whole day at a certain task
kw-īsegura (-ye) to lie on a pillow,
to make a sick person lean on one
kw-īriza (-jije) to cause oneself to
weep, weep without reason
ubw-īshaza (no pl.) peas
kw-īroha (-she) 1. to go into danger
or friend
a vow, 2. to do that which you
declared you wouldn't
kw-īrārīra (-riye) to be
presumptious, over-confident
kw-īrasa (-she) to shoot at oneself
kw-īrasira (-ye) to be red (esp. of
sky)
immunity (med.)
umw-īshikira (ab-) favorite servant
without regard to oneself, 2. to put
into the water (river)
kw-īshima (-mye) 1. to be proud, 2.
to cheer up, 3. to be happy, glad, to
be excited
kw-īrāta (-se) to glory in, to boast,
to tell how one's affairs are going
kw-īrokora (-ye) to save oneself
umw-īrōnge (imy-) flute made of
kw-īshimagiza (-je) to praise
kw-īrāza (-je) to spend the night
reed, whistle
oneself
kw-irora (-ye) to look at
ubw-īshime (no pl.) pride
alone
kw-īrega (-ze) 1. to accuse oneself,
ic-īrore (ivy-) 1. mirror, 2. (in pl.)
kw-īshimikiza (-je) to lean on (esp.
glasses, spectacles
in getting up)
kw-īregūra (-ye) 1. to excuse
oneself, 2. justify oneself, 3. to
apologize
ic-īrori (ivy-) 1. mirror, 2. (in pl.)
glasses, spectacles
kw-īrekera (-ye) to stop of one's
ic-īru (ivy-) reparations, gift to
make up for offending someone
ic-īshimikizo (ivy-) rest,
something to lean on, (esp. in
getting up, from kwīshimikiza)
2. to confess
own accord
kw-īremēka (-tse) to carry on head
kw-īrengagiza (-je) 1. to
procrastinate, 2. put off doing what
one should, 3. to act indifferent, 4.
to ignore someone, 5. to not give
answer when asked, 6. to not show
one's feelings, be reserved
kw-irēngera (-ye) 1. to carry
something on head without using
the hands, 2. to take responsibility
for something
kw-īruka (-tse) 1. to run, to hurry,
2. to have diarrhea
kw-irukana (-ye) 1. to fire (from
job), 2. to throw out (of the house)
kw-īrukana (-nye) 1. to chase
away, 2. to run together
kw-īrukānga (-nze) to run very fast
kw-īrukanwa (-nywe) to be chased
away
kw-īrukira (-ye) to run at, for, to
43
kw-īshinyira (-ye) 1. to laugh at, 2.
make fun of (esp. of someone in
trouble)
umw-īshīnzi (ab-) surety, (e.g. co-
signer for note)
kw-īshishītira (-riye) to strike
oneself in amazement
kw-ishongora (-ye) speaking or
chanting of a lyrical poem
characterized by long phrases
(where emphasis is on the lyrical
text, not accompanied by dancing)
drink
kw-īshōra (-ye) to go oneself to
for to commit adultery in speaking
of a married man)
kw-ītegereza (-je) 1. to look at
intently, 2. contemplate, to reflect
kw-īshōza (-je) 1. to quench one's
thirst, 2. drink after a meal
kw-īsonzēsha (-sheje) to fast, to
kw-ītegūra (-ye) to prepare oneself
not eat
iny-īshu (iny-) 1. answer, reply, 2.
kw-īsukura (-ye) to wash, cleanse,
payment of debt
purify oneself
ubw-ishu (no pl.) payment
kw-īsusurutsa (-kije) to warm
kw-īshura (-ye) 1. to answer, to
kw-ītēmbagaza (-je) 1. to fall
umw-itēro (imy-) long garment
oneself
kw-īsuzuma (-mye) to examine
reply, to respond, 2. to pay, 3. to
pay a debt
oneself
kw-īshurana (-nye) 1. to pay debts
kw-īta (-se) to name, to call
to each other, 2. to pay with
kw-īshurira (-ye) 1. to answer, 2. to
pay at, for
down, 2. to roll
kw-ītaba (-vye) to answer when
called
kw-ītesha (-sheje) to abstain from,
hinder oneself
kw-ītira (-ye) to name for
kw-ītiranwa (-nywe) to be named
after another
kw-ītiranya (-nije) to get names
confused
kw-ītabira (-riye) to answer at, for
2. to answer by
ic-itabirizo (ivy-) chorus of song
kw-ītirira (-riye) to name because
of, in memory of
kw-īshurwa (-we) 1. to be
kw-itaho (-yeho) to interest, to be
interested (vi, vt)
name
kw-ītako (-tayeko) to do with
ic-īto (ivy-) place of another
kw-īshuriza (-je) 1. to cause to pay,
answered, 2. to be paid
kw-īshuza (-je) 1. to ask to pay, to
demand payment, 2. to cause to pay vigor, to devote oneself to a task
kw-īshuzwa (-jwe) to be pressed to
kw-ītāmba ku muvyimba 1. to
kw-ītirisha (-shije) to cause to
kw-ītobora (-ye) to pierce oneself
kw-ītomba (-mvye) 1. to love
onself (lit.), 2. to have homosexual
intercourse
umw-īshwa (ab-) child of one's
sister (if one is a boy) or woman's
brother's son
make it hard for one who has lost a
loved one by reproaching the dead
one, 2. to make light of serious
things, 3. to gloat over (reference to
death) (from gutāmba)
umw-īshwa (imy-) garland, wreath
(such as put around basket with
gift)
kw-ītanga (-nze) 1. to offer oneself, kw-ītōndera (-ye) 1. to obey, keep
2. to consecrate oneself, to dedicate (law), 2. to take pains with, 3. apply
oneself, 3. to volunteer
oneself to, 3. to pay attention
mw-īshwanje (b-) my sister's son
(usually used for an oath with
indecent meaning)
kw-ītangira (-ye) to precede
kw-ītōnganiriza (-je) to complain
kw-ītangira itama to put one's face
kw-ītōnganya (-nije) 1. to talk
together in whispers, 2. to talk to
oneself
pay a debt
īshwī no! not at all!
kw-īsiba (-vye) 1. to swear, 2. to
vow
kw-īsīga (-ze) 1. to rub, 2. anoint
oneself
Isirayeli Israel
in one's hands in deep thought
kw-ītara (-ye) to warm oneself by
the fire (lit., roast oneself)
kw-ītāra (-ze) 1. to be determined
to get what you want, 2. to be
presumptous, 3. put yourself above
where you belong
kw-ītaragura (-ye) to warm oneself
umw-isirayeli (ab-) israelite
by the fire
kw-īsogota (-se) to pierce oneself
kw-ītega (-ze) 1. to hope for, 2. to
kw-īsokoza (-je) to comb one's hair
wait for
kw-ītōnda (-nze) 1. to be careful, 2.
to be calm, 3. to not be in a hurry
kw-ītōraguza (-je) to be always
looking for a quarrel
kw-ītorera (-ye) to choose, pick up
for oneself
kw-ītosora (-ye) to take something
out of one's own eye
kw-ītsa (-kije) 1. to reiterate, 2.
reinforce the words of another, 3. to
ask oneself
kw-īsomōra (-ye) to dress a wound
ic-ītegererezo (ivy-) example,
kw-ītsa umutima to have grief, be
for oneself (euphemistically used
model
grieved
44
itu you don't say? is that really so?
kw-īvyura (-ye) to get oneself up
kw-ītuna (-nnye) 1. to be wrinkled,
2. to shrink, to shrivel up
--iwe (adj.) his, her
kw-ītura (-ye) to take load off one's
iyaba if
kw-īyobagiza (-je) 1. to be
unwilling to look one in the face, 2.
hide the truth, 3. to promise and
then pretend you haven't, pretend it
isn't so
own head
kw-īyāga (-ze) to scratch oneself
kw-ītūtānya (-nye) to act foolishly,
to act ignorantly
kw-īyagiriza (-je) 1. to admit one's
oneself
wrong to avoid being caught, 2. to
hide in a corner, 3. to tell what one
has done
kw-īyobeza (-je) to lead oneself
kw-ītwa (-swe) to be named, to be
called
n-ītwa my name is ..., I am called ...
kw-īyahura (-ye) to commit suicide
kw-iyakira (-ye) to enter without
kw-īyoberanya (-nije) to disguise
into error
kw-īyoga (-ze) to bathe (esp. the
legs)
kw-īyombayomba (-mvye) 1. to go
stealthily, 2. to sneak along
w-ītwa nde what is your name?
permission
kw-ītwāra (-ye) to go to chief or
superior for something (see
ndakwītwāyeko)
kw-itwarira (-ye) 1. to accuse, 2. to
take to court
kw-īyama (-mye) kwīyama isazi to
kw-īyondēsha (-sheje) to let
switch off flies (cow)
oneself get thin
kw-īyambagura (-ye) 1. to torment
kw-īyongeranya (-nije) to repeat
oneself with grief, 2. to try to find
many
times
food for unexpected guests
imy-itwarire (no sg.) character,
kw-īyambika (-tse) to clothe
kw-īyonjorora (-ye) to sneak out
behavior
oneself, put on (clothes)
kw-īyonona (-nye) to harm oneself
kw-ītwaririka (-tse) 1. to be eager,
earnest, zealous, persistent, 2. to
take care of, be concerned about
kw-īyambura (-ye) to undress
oneself, take off
kw-īyōra (-ye) to vomit, make
oneself vomit
kw-īyandagaza (-je) to say mean
things in trying to provoke another
kw-īyorobeka (-tse) 1. to be
humble or good ostensibly but not
in reality, 2. to be a hypocrite
kw-ītwaririkira (-ye) to be earnest,
etc. about
umw-ītwaririko (imy-) 1. zeal, 2.
persistence, 3. anxiety, 4. care
kw-īyandikīsha (-shije) 1. to enroll
oneself, 2. to subscribe
kw-īyegeranya (-nije) to crouch, to
ubw-īyorobetsi hypocrisy
ndakw-ītwāyeko I've come to you
curl up
for something (respectful way to
begin a request, from kwītwāra)
kw-īyorohereza (-je) to divide up
work or load to make it easier
kw-īyegereza (-je) to draw near to
kw-īyorosha (-heje) 1. to remain
urw-ītwazo (inz-) excuse, pretext
kw-īyenzereza (-je) to wander
still, quit, 2. to be humble
(rarely used in plural)
about
ic-ītwīkīro (ivy-) covering (over
kw-īyereka (-tse) 1. to show
oneself, 2. to parade, dance as
traditional warriors did displaying
their weapons
kw-īyōrwa (-we) to vomit, make
oneself vomit
eyes, body etc.)
kw-īvuga (-ze) 1. to talk of oneself,
2. to be proud
ic-īvugo (ivy-) slogan
kw-īvura (-ye) to treat oneself
kw-īvuza (-je) to go for treatment
ivyabaye things that happened in
the past
ubw-īvyi (no pl.) robbery, thieving,
stealing
umw-iyereko (imw-) dance of the
Bugesera region
kw-īyerēra (-reye) to be ready for
kw-īyoza (-geje) to bath oneself
kw-īyūbahuka (-tse) to not fear to
hurt oneself
kw-īyubāra (-ye) 1. to hesitate, 2.
to doubt, 3. to beware
kw-īyugunyura (-ye) to rinse the
harvest
kw-īyica (-she) to kill oneself
kw-īyigīsha (-shije) to teach
oneself
iyo 1. if, 2. when
mouth, brush the teeth
kw-īyuhagira (-ye) 1. to bathe
oneself (formerly a ceremonial
cleansing, but now bathing in
general), 2. to shower
kw-īyuhagirira (-ye) to bathe at
umw-īvyi (ab-) thief
45
kw-īyūhīra (-ye) to drink from the
hollow of one's hand
kw-īyumānganya (-nije) 1. to be
reserved, 2. be unwilling to commit
oneself, 3. suffer pain without
complaint, be stoical, 4. to go or do
reluctantly
kw-īzungagiza (-je) to balance
oneself
kw-īzūra (-ye) to resurrect oneself,
to rise from the dead
J
kw-īyumvīra (-riye) 1. to think, to
consider, 2. to assess, to rate, to
evaluate
ibi-ja (no pl.) servitude, bondage
iki-ja (ibi-) thing of no value
ic-īyumvīro (ivy-) 1. thought,
consideration, 2. idea
ku-ja (-giye) to go
--īza (adj.) 1. good, nice, fine,
ubu-ja (no pl.) servitude
better, 2. beautiful, pretty,
attractive, handsome, gorgeous,
sexy, lovely, 3. clean, 4. correct
umu-ja (aba-) slave, servant
ic-īza (ivy-) the good
ubw-īza (no pl.) 1. glory, 2. beauty
umw-īza (pl. rare) darkness, dark
ku-ja imbu to take turns (from
urubu)
ku-ja impāri to argue
ku-ja mu butinyanka to menstruate
ku-ja mu gashitsi to shiver,
urimw-īza you are beautiful
shudder, tremble
kw-īzera (-ye) 1. to trust, 2. to
believe, 3. to hope
ama-ja n'amāza goings and
ukw-īzera faith, belief
in-jabuka (in-) foreigner, stranger
(from across the border)
umw-īzero (imy-) 1. beliefs, 2.
confidence, 3. hope
comings
i-jāmbo (ama-) 1. word, 2. term,
(pl. also amagambo), 3. good
discursive condition
i-jana (ama-) hundred
ku-jāna (-nye) 1. to take with, 2. to
go with, go together with, 3. to
match
umu-janāma (aba-) steward, elder
ku-jāndajānda (-nze) 1. to joke, 2.
to tease
in-jangwe (in-) cat (domesticated)
ku-jānira (-ye) to take for
ku-janirana (-nye) 1. to accept a
decision in spite of oneself, 2. to
lack opportunity to say what you
intended
ku-janiranwa (-niwe) 1. to accept a
decision in spite of oneself, 2. to
lack opportunity to say what you
intended
i-jānja (ama-) paw, foot of animal
(also used of person carrying
something in one hand when it
should be two: urafashe mw ijanja)
ku-jānjagura (-ye) to break up, to
ku-jabuka (-tse) 1. to cross river,
beat
ku-janjagurika (-tse) to be broken
kw-īzēza (-jeje) to cause to believe
valley, 2. (also used of woman who
has come to the menopause), 3. to
finish menstrual period
kw-īzezwa (-jejwe) to be made to
ku-jabukana (-nye) to cross with
kw-īzerwa (-we) to be trusted
believe
kw-īzigira (-ye) 1. to believe, 2. to
hope, 3. to trust in, to have
confidence in, 4. to expect
ic-īzigiro (ivy-) hope, confidence
kw-īzigirwa (-we) to be trusted, to
be trustworthy
umw-īzigirwa (ab-) trustworthy or
faithful person
kw-īzigiza (-ījigije) to cause to
ku-jabukira (-ye) to cross at, for
ku-jabukīsha (-shije) to help to
cross
ku-jānwa (-nywe) to be taken,
conducted
ku-jarajara (-ye) 1. to search in
vain, 2. to go from place to place
je I, me
ku-jabutsa (-kije) to help to cross,
to cause to cross
nda-je I am coming
ku-jagata (-se) 1. to swarm, 2.
in-jebejebe (in-) wrinkle (actually,
turning down of lower lip), red
thing on chicken below beak
(wattle)
abound, 3. multiply rapidly (as
insects)
ku-jajura (-ye) to joke, talk lightly
hope, trust
ku-jakarira (-ye) to be servant to
kw-īzingīra (-riye) 1. to roll up (vi),
ama-jambere progress,
2. to curl (vi)
to bits
development
ku-jegeza (-je) 1. to silence one's
opponent by speaking the truth, 2.
to astound, astonish, 3. to roll about
(vt), 4. throw down, 5. to surprise
jēho I in contrast, concerning me
46
ku-jējēta (-se) 1. to drip, 2. to have
running sores
ku-jema (-mye) to chop with hoe or
other instrument
umu-jēnāma (aba-) steward, elder
in-jeniyeri (in-) engineer
ama-jēpfo (no pl.) depth
i-jeri (ama-) (insect) cicada
jēwe I, me
in-jīshi (in-) thick rope
ku-jīshira (-ye) to weave at, for
ku-jīshīsha (-shije) to cause to
weave, weave with
i-jīsho eye; (pl. amaso) face
mu maso hiwe in his face
kuba maso to watch, to be alert, to
be on guard
urw'amaso before others but not
in private (e.g. being nice to
someone)
surprised, be stunned, 2. gesture of
putting one's hand to his face
ku-joreza (-je) to astound, leave
one speechless
i-joro (ama-) night
i-joro ryiza goodnight
ku-jugajuga (-ze) 1. to be baffled,
be at a complete loss, 2. to know
how to catch a culprit
jeho I (in contrast to another)
nānje and I (me)
nkānje like me
in-jugujugu (in-) stick thrown to
kill
bird, etc.
i-jīsho ry'ikirēnge ankle (pl. amaso
m'ikirēnge)
ka-jugujugu helicopter
umu-ji (imi-) city (from Sw. mji)
ku-jīshura (-ye) to untie cow's legs
after milking
umu-jiginya (imi-) bridle
ku-jugumira (-ye) to tremble, to
shiver
ku-jiginyika (-tse) to bridle
ku-jōba (-vye) to be soaked,
dripping wet
i-jigo (ama-) back teeth (all double
ku-jobanya (-nije) to rain long time
teeth, bicuspids, molars)
gutwengera mw ijigo to be
secretly amused, to laugh at
secretly
without stopping
iki-jūju (ibi-) fool
ku-jōbeka (-tse) 1. to soak in
water, 2. to be soaked by rain or by
falling in river
ku-jūjūta (-se) 1. to be foolish, 2.
be abnormal, 3. to stagger around,
4. to be stupid
iki-jogojogo (ibi-) insect similar to
ku-jujutisha (-shije) to make one
lose one's head
iki-jigo (ibi-) corn (kind with big
kernels)
ku-jiguza (-je) to surround
Katydid
ku-jugunya (-nye) to throw out
ku-jugunyika (-tse) to throw out
ku-jījūka (-tse) 1. to leave, quit
to Katydid
ku-jumarara (-ye) to be speechless
with astonishment
altogether because a thing is too
difficult (e.g. itōngo), 2. to know
for certain
ku-jōja (-je) to tell all about
iki-jūmbu (ibi-) sweet potato
something
ku-jījūra (-ye) 1. to tell certainly, 2.
ku-jōjōta (-se) to drip
to prove
ku-jōndamika (-tse) 1. to stoop
ku-jīngitwa (-swe) to be very
down, 2. to bend over
angry, exasperated
ku-jōnjōra (-ye) 1. to move to new
location, 2. to leave group and go
by oneself
ku-jīnjibura (-ye) 1. to question so
strongly that one dares not deny
again, 2. to prove to one that he's
wrong
umu-jinya (imi-) 1. grudge, 2. bad
umu-jogojogo (imi-) insect similar
umu-jūmbu (imi-) copper
iki-jōra (ibi-) mean and
Bu-jumbura largest city and former
capital of Burundi, originally called
Usumbura, it was renamed to
Bujumbura at independence,
mainly for the negative meaning of
Usumbura in Swahili
iki-jūmpu (ibi-) sweet potato
quarrelsome person
umu-jūmpu (imi-) copper
ubu-jōra (no pl.) meanness and
temper
quarrelsomeness
i-jūnja (ama-) 1. size, height, 2.
value, 3. good physical condition
ku-jīsha (-she) 1. to weave, knit, tie
cow's legs while milking, 2. to
make wax for honey (bees), 3. to
close doors (used only in speaking
of royal palace)
ku-jorera (-ye) to surprise, to stun,
i-jūnja n’ijambo physical strength
to render speechless
and discursive force, eloquence
(description of a strong and
eloquent person, two
characteristics allegedly rarely
going together)
uku-jīsha something woven (cloth)
ku-jorerwa (-rewe) 1. to be
speechless (with surprise or
defeat), be dumbfounded, be
47
ku-juragira (-ye) to be undecided,
to not stay in one place, to work at
several tasks at once
ku-juragirika (-tse) 1. to hesitate, 2.
to feel one's way
ku-juragiza (-je) 1. to cause to
work at several tasks at once, 2. to
knock from place to place, 3. to
jiggle
ku-jurajura (-ye) to be lost, seek
kabisa (adv.) absolutely, totally,
completely, certainly, surely (Sw.)
Kabozambuba April (or March)
i-kaburimbo (i-) asphalt, tarmac,
tar
i-kabutura (ama-) short trousers,
shorts (not underwear)
gu-kacagira (-ye) to walk noisily
gu-kacakaca (-ce) to walk
one's way (idea of emphasis, or
often)
stealthily
in-jurajuzi (in-) foolish one
i-kado (i-) gift, present (from Fr.
cadeau)
i-juru (ama-) 1. heaven, 2. sky
igi-kaju (ibi-) sugar cane
juzi day before yesterday (Sw.)
gu-kaka (-tse) 1. to grow, 2.
i-jwi (ama-) voice
enlarge, 3. develop, 4. to creak (as
wall, etc.)
i-jwi rirēnga (ama) loud voice
i-jwi y’amatora (ama) (electoral)
vote
ku-jwigira (-ye) to be hoarse, to
squeak (as rat)
final decision, 2. influential older
man
gu-kāmba (-mvye) 1. to begin to
get wrinkled (with age), 2. to be
clouded (eyes)
in-kāmba (in-) dross (in metal)
gu-kāmbakāmba (-mvye) 1. to
crawl, 2. feel one's way
i-kambambiri (ama-) sandal with
strap between the big and other toes
gu-kākagura (-ye) to tear clothes
off, to strip off (vt)
ubu-kame (no pl.) sap (sweet)
gu-kamira (-ye) to milk at, for
gu-kamīsha (-shije) to cause to
milk, help to milk
gu-kamuka (-tse) to dry up, to drip
gu-kamura (-ye) to let drip
gu-kamurura (-ye) to dry up a
gu-kakama (-mye) 1. to be
swamp
exuberant, vivacious, 2. to increase,
gu-kamwa (-mwe) to be milked
3. to swell or rise (as beans, etc.)
gu-kakamisha (-shije) to cause to
rise, swell
K
kamaramagāmbo 1. judge with
umu-kakampiri (imi-) red
gu-kamya (-mije) 1. to cause to dry
up, 2. empty out all of a liquid, 3. to
absorb (liquid)
igi-ka (ibi-) paragraph
flowering vine
umu-kamyi (aba-) milkman
in-ka (in-) cow
kakawo cocoa
aga-kamyo (udu-) small lorry,
small truck (Fr. camion)
mu-ka wife of
gu-kākura (-ye) 1. to tear clothes
in-ka n’imirima a cow in the field
(description of a calm, composed
and serene person)
in-ka zishashe amahembe maze
of horns (see gusasa and ihēmbe)
gu-kaba (-vye) to dry up, wither,
wilt
gu-kāba (-vye) to trade, exchange,
swap
gu-kabakaba (-vye) to feel around
for, look for
gu-kabika (-tse) to cause to wilt,
dry up
gu-kabirana (-nye) to wilt
(in anger), 2. to rip grass from
house, etc.
gu-kama (-mye) 1. to milk, 2. to
dry up, 3. evaporate, 4. decrease
gu-kāma (-mye) to praise the
wealth of another
umu-kama (aba-) 1. lord, 2.
master, 3. monarch
umu-kama (imi-) bundle of grass
or grain
i-kamyo (ama-) lorry, truck (Fr.
camion)
gu-kana (-nnye) 1. to smooth out,
stretch out (vt) (as skin for drum),
2. to speak evil of, 3. to threaten
gu-kanaguza (-je) 1. to stare at, 2.
look at repeatedly
gu-kanda (-nze) to tell chief that
someone sends greetings
('bwakeye')
i-kānda (ama-) footprint, track
gu-kamagura (-ye) to drink (of
king)
ugu-kanda 1. massage, 2. pressing
umu-kamakare (aba-) old woman
umu-kānda (imi-) girdle
(respectful term)
gu-kāndagira (-ye) 1. to trample
on, 2. to stamp one's feet
gu-kamangana (-nye) to disappear
48
umu-kandara (imi-) belt
kāndi (conj.) and, and then, also,
furthermore (used for connecting
clauses, not words in a series)
umu-kanishi (aba-) mechanic (Fr.
gu-karabira (-ye) to wash the
mécanicien)
hands in
gu-kanjagura (-ye) to mix things
up and pack them down together
gu-karabīsha (-shije) 1. to cause to
wash hands, wash with, 2. to offer
to wash a guest's hands before a
meal
gu-kānga (-nze) 1. to scare,
frighten, 2. to be shiny (as silk
cloth)
uru-kanka (in-) framework of
house (finished except grass)
igi-kāngaga (ibi-) worms (tenia),
reprimand, 2. refuse strongly
grass in water
gu-kankamira (-ye) 1. to
gu-kānkamwa (-mwe) 1. to be
aga-karabo (utu-) pot with long
narrow neck
i-karabo (ama-) wash basin
cannibalistic, 2. to desire to harm
another without reason
ibi-karagāshi 1. scaly skin, 2.
other
umu-kānkamyi (aba-) cannibal
i-karamu (ama-) (Sw.) pencil
umu-kāngara (imi-) 1. young of
kanseri cancer (Fr.)
uru-kāngaga (in-) rushes
gu-kāngana (-nye) to frighten each
scales, 3. stuff in eyes
gu-karānga (-nze) 1. to fry, 2. to
animal, young bull, 2. teenager
(traditionally boys only)
imikangara y'abakobwa teenage
girls
open eyes
gu-karāngira (-ye) to roast at, for
gu-kāngariza (-je) to clean up field
gu-kanya (-nye) 1. to be cold, 2. to
at, for
karangura complement (gram.)
be damp
gu-kāngaza (-je) 1. to clean up a
field, 2. take away grass that's been
hoed out
igi-kānge (ibi-) ghost (thing which
resembles person but has
supernatural powers)
gu-kangīra (-riye) 1. to frighten
unintentionally, 2. to threaten, scold
igi-kangīro (ibi-) threat, warning,
scolding
gu-kanguka (-tse) 1. to wake up
(vi), 2. to jump
gu-kangura (-ye) to wake up (vt)
gu-kangurwa (-we) to be
awakened
igi-kanu (ibi-) nape of the neck
gu-kanura (-ye) 1. to look up, 2. to
roast
gu-karāngika (-tse) to roast easily
gu-karāngwa (-nzwe) to be
gu-kānya (-nye) 1. to wring out,
squeeze, 2. to twist
i-kanya (ama-) (Sw.) fork
umu-kanya (imi-) wrinkle, fold
gu-kānyira (-ye) to squeeze at, for
gu-kanyīsha (-shije) to make cold,
damp
roasted, fried
umu-karani (aba-) clerical worker
i-karata (ama-) card, map
igi-karatāsi (ibi-) (Sw.) paper
uru-karatāsi (in-) (Sw.) paper,
sheet of paper
igi-karatūsi (ibi-) eucalyptus tree
gu-kānyura (-ye) to squeeze out
juice to last drop
gu-kanyuruka (-tse) to get warm,
umu-karatūsi (imi-) eucalyptus
tree
dry
kare (adv.) early
i-kānzu (ama-) (Sw.) 1. dress, 2.
ubu-kare (no pl.) sharpness (of
robe, 3. gown
beer, etc.)
gu-kara (-ze) 1. to be savage, 2.
igi-kāri (ibi-) 1. temporary house,
2. back yard, 3. private part of yard
gu-kāngwa (-nzwe) 1. to be
frightened, thunderstruck, 2. to be
taken sick suddenly (supposedly
from python looking at one)
fierce, cruel, harsh, 3. bitter
gu-kanika (-tse) 1. to repair, 2. to
in-kara (in-) crab
karibu welcome (from Sw., lit:
draw near)
gu-karaba (-vye) to wash one's
gu-kariha (-she) 1. to be sharp
hand
(instrument), 2. to be bitter
karabāye enough!
gu-karihīsha (-shije) to cause to
sharpen, sharpen with
i-kara (ama-) charcoal, coals
igi-kara (ibi-) cheetah
in-kari (in-) 1. urine, 2. piss, pee
(slang)
service
gu-kanira (-ye) to have a grudge
against
gu-kanirwa (-we) to be threatened
49
gu-karira (-ye) 1. to be sharp at,
severe toward, at, for
umu-kazāna (aba-) daughter-in-
law
gu-kebwa (-bwe) 1. to be cut, 2. to
be wounded
gu-karīsha (-hije) 1. to sharpen, 2.
excite, 3. stimulate
i-kazānga (ama-) small covered
gu-kēcura (-ye) to become old
container
(woman)
in-karīsha (in-) 1. sharp beer, 2.
anything fermented
kāze welcome
umu-kēcuru (aba-) old woman,
widow (not very respectful term,
can be used though by little
children, or by grandchildren
towards their grandmother)
gu-karīshwa (-shijwe) to be
guha i-kāze to welcome
sharpened
i-kāze (noun, no pl.) welcome
i-kariso (ama-) underwear, slip,
--kazi suffix used to form the
boxer shorts (from Fr. caleçon)
i-karōti (ama-) carrot
feminine (imbwakazi – female dog,
inkokokazi – hen)
gu-keka (-tse) to cut up in small
pieces
in-kazi (in-) sharp instrument or
gu-kēka (-tse) 1. to suppose, 2. to
i-karuvati (ama-) tie
person
suspect
karyenda traditional sacred royal
--ke (adj.) few, scanty, a little
n-kēka perhaps
gu-keba (-vye) 1. to cut (meat,
ugu-kēka suspicion
finger, cloth, paper, etc.), 2. to
carve, 3. to circumcise, 4. to prune
umu-keka (imi-) small rug, mat
drum, hidden in its sanctuary and
only brought forth on very rare
occasions like the umuganuro
festival
gu-kēba (-vye) 1. to be jealous
gu-kāshuka (-tse) to strain or
sprain slightly
(esp. between wives), 2. to mistrust
gu-kāshura (-ye) 1. to strain, 2.
i-kēba 1. jealously (esp. between
gu-kekagura (-ye) to cut up
gu-kekana (-nye) to chop person
with sword
blue)
wives of same husband), 2.
gu-kekera (-ye) to cut at, for
speaking evil of another with whom
gu-kēkeranya (-nye) to doubt, to
you share work
hesitate
gu-kebagiza (-je) to feel the way
gu-kekēsha (-sheje) to cut with,
before one with foot or spear
help to cut
gu-kebagura (-ye) to cut in pieces
gu-kēkeza (-jeje) 1. to torment, 2.
gu-kebaguza (-je) to look around
to deceive, 3. to rejoice in another's
on all sides
troubles
umu-kāte (imi-) (Sw.) bread
gu-kebana (-nye) to cut each other
i-keki (ama-) cake (from Sw. keki)
gu-kēbana (-nye) to be jealous of
gu-kekwa (-tswe) to be cut up
dislocate (vt)
umu-kasi (imi-) scissors
i-kasikāzi (Sw.) north
gu-kata (-se) to cut, to chop, to
split (from Sw.)
umu-kata (imi-) black, (sometimes
umu-kātwa (imi-) water pot
gu-kavya (-biye) to put food in sun
to dry, to dry up (flower, corn silk)
i-kawa (i-) coffee (drink)
uru-kayamba rectangular rattle,
musical instrument
gu-kayangana (-nye) to be
dazzling, shining, to glisten
igi-kayangana (ibi-) 1. something
dazzling, shining, glistening, 2.
enamel
i-kaye (ama-) notebook, exercise
book (Fr. cahier)
each other
gu-kēkwa (-tswe) to be suspected
i-kebano (ama-) small pot girls put
butter in
i-kēkwe (no pl.) mistrust, doubt
gu-kebanya (-nije) to shake down
umu-kebe (imi-) small tin box
i-kembe (i-) lamellophone
composed of a hollowed-out box on
which are fixed strips of metal or
bamboo of various lengths
uru-kebu (im-) torticollis, stiff
umu-kembe (imi-) drum stick
to separate from dirt (e.g. millet)
neck
umu-keme (aba-) child
gu-kebuka (-tse) 1. to see that
someone wishes to see you alone,
2. to turn one's head, look behind
gu-kebura (-ye) to signal to
someone
50
gu-kēmūra (-ye) 1. to clean, wipe
off, wash (esp. body), 2. to butcher,
3. to cut wool of sheep or tail of
animal, 4. to cut off top of tree
gu-kena (-nnye) 1. to need, 2. to be
poor, 3. be in want
umu-kenya (aba-) Kenyan (person) in-kerebutsi (adj.) 1. skillful,
in-kēnde (in-) monkey
patiently, 2. prepare to fight, 3. to
wear belt, girdle, to tie in at waist
ubu-kene (no pl.) 1. need, want, 2.
gu-kenyera (-ye) 1. to persist
skilled, 2. wise
ubu-kerebutsi ardour, fervour
patiently, in or at
gu-kerera (-ye) to saw, cut with
sawing motion, cut neck of animal,
cut grass
uru-kenyerero (in-) waist
umu-kerere (imi-) green bean
umu-kenyero (imi-) loin cloth
gu-kērēreza (-je) to make late
late by
ibi-kenewe 1. need, 2. necessity,
gu-kenyeza (-je) 1. to encircle, to
surround, 2. to girdle with, tie
clothes at waist with
essential thing
umu-kenyezi (aba-) woman,
gu-kērērwa (-rewe) to be late, to be
short something
ama-kēnga 1. doubts, 2. mistrust,
3. apprehension
female (lit. someone wearing a
wrap skirt)
uru-kerezo (in-) saw
in-kēnga (in-) basket (tall)
gu-kenyuka (-tse) 1. to be fragile,
in-kēri (in-) 1. berries, esp.
blackberry, 2. strawberry
poverty
umu-kene (aba-) needy person
gu-kenera (-ye) to need
gu-kenēsha (-sheje) to make poor
--kenewe (adj.) necessary
gu-kēngēra (-reye) 1. to disdain, 2.
to despise, 3. to hate, 4. to be
insolent to
gu-kenyerera (-ye) to persist
2. to die or break suddenly or
unexpectedly
gu-kērērezwa (-jwe) to be made
uru-kero (in-) saw
in-kengera (in-) river bank
gu-kenyukirwa (-riwe) to be
exhausted, attempt something
beyond one's strength
gu-kēngereka (-tse) to be
despicable, despised
gu-kenyurwa (-we) to be broken
gu-kerutsa (-kije) to say, tell,
suddenly
divulge
gu-kerukiriza (-je) 1. to tell to, 2.
to divulge (tell something you
shouldn't)
gu-kēngērwa (-rewe) to be
despised, hated
kēra (adv.) 1. long ago, 2. far in the gu-kēsha (-sheje) 1. to spend all
future
night without sleeping, 2. to clean
up a place
in-kēngērwa (in-) despised thing or ama-kera (no sing.) hoe with
person
handle
gu-ketagura (-ye) to cut in chunks
gu-kenguruka (-tse) to thank, be
gu-kera (-reye) 1. to cut grass, tree,
submissive
2. to chop (with axe)
gu-kengurukira (-ye) 1. to
gu-kera (-ze) 1. to burn, 2. to be
appreciate, 2. to be thankful to, for
irritating to the mouth, 2. smart in
mouth, 4. to slander
gu-kengūza (-je) 1. to look
carefully to see if anyone is there,
2. observe carefully
gu-kēra (-reye) 1. to rejoice at
arrival of someone, 2. give warm
welcome (one does not say it of
himself)
i-kēte (ama-) letter
umu-kevyi (aba-) butler, trusted
servant, favorite
--keya (adj.) few, scanty, a little
bu-kēye the next day
bwa-kēye Good morning (from
igi-kera (ibi-) cheetah
guca, greeting used almost any
time of day if first meeting, also
bgakēye)
igi-kere (ibi-) frog, toad
hara-kēye it is day
ubu-kenuke (no pl.) abundance,
in-kēre (in-) 1. berries, esp.
gu-kēza (-je) (Sw.) to exercise (as
supplying of need
blackberry, 2. strawberry
in gym class)
gu-kenura (-ye) to relieve need
umu-kēre (imi-) bush with thorns
ki what kind? what kind of
umu-kenke (imi-) savanna
gu-kenuka (-tse) 1. to have one's
needs supplied, 2. to have an
abundance
in-kenuzo (in-) information,
knowledge
--kenya (adj.) few, scanty, a little
and edible berries
gu-kerebuka (-tse) to be
intelligent, wise
51
ama-ki How are you? (greeting)
n'ama-ki How are you? (greeting)
ubū-ki (no pl.) honey
kidapfunyirana (adj.) crease
resistant, unbreakable
in-kīngi (in-) large stick stuck in
ground, pillar, post, gatepost, cord
of tongue
gu-kīngīra (-riye) to stand in
Kigarama December
another's light
kīgēnzi infinitive
ugu-kīngīra prevention
gu-kīka (-tse) 1. to slant (vi), 2. to
be placed obliquely
gu-kīngiriza (-je) to close, shield
with
gu-kīkama (-mye) 1. to slant (vi
aga-kingirizo (udu-) condom (from
and vt), 2. to place obliquely
gu-kīkamika (-tse) to slant (vt)
gu-kira (-ze) 1. to get well, recover,
heal (vi), 2. to be safe, 3. to be rich
uru-kiramēnde any four-sided
figure (originally, a place fixed for
pole-vaulting)
gu-kiranira (-ye) 1. to argue about,
discuss, 2. to try to persuade
gu-kirānura (-ye) to straighten up
(vt), to place in order, rearrange
gukīngiriza)
ubu-kire riches, wealth
gu-kingīsha (-shije) to protect,
cover with, close with
umu-kire (aba-) rich man
gu-kīkira (-ye) 1. to pass by, go
around, 2. to lay someone on his
gu-kingitiranya (-nije) to not say
side, 3. to take in one's arms (baby), directly ('go around Robin Hood's
to hug
barn')
gu-kīkiza (-je) to surround (vt or vi) umu-kīngo (imi-) wapp, partition
ubu-kirīro (no pl.) refuge
gu-kirīsha (-shije) to heal with
umu-kiriya (aba-) client, customer
gu-kiriza (-je) to lift up, put higher
in-kīko (in-) boundaries of country
in-kingu (in-) slope
igi-kiriza (ibi-) chest (of body)
uru-kiko (in-) court, tribunal
gu-kīngūra (-ye) 1. to open, 2. to
gu-kirizwa (-jwe) to be lifted up
gu-kīkuza (-je) to go around
step aside to make light
gu-kīmbūka (-tse) to express one's
thoughts, to stick up for another
gu-kīnguruka (-tse) to open, step
ubu-kiru (no pl.) place where steps
aside to let light in
are cut in hillside, rough place,
bumps, hillocks
gu-kīmbūkira (-ye) to stick up for,
gu-kīngwa (-nzwe) to be closed,
ubu-kiruruke altitude
point out truth to those arguing
protected
i-kimputo (Sw.) tick fever,
uru-kīnja (in-) 1. council, 2. circle
recurrent fever
of people
Kiyumpu June
kimyozi (ba-) barber, hairdresser
igi-kino (ibi-) game, play
aga-kiza (no pl.) salvation
gu-kina (-nye) 1. to play, 2. to
umu-kino (imi-) 1. game, play, 2.
screen (film)
sport
gu-kiza (-jije) 1. to heal (vt), 2. to
save, 3. to deliver
gu-kinagira (-ye) to jump about, go
uru-kino (in-) 1. game, play, 2.
i-kīza (ama-) a calamity (such as a
game field
bad disease or plague), severe
illness
rapidly
gu-kinagiza (-je) to chase away
gu-kinanga (-nze) to waste one's
umu-kino wa amaguru football,
umu-kiza (aba-) savior
soccer
time
umu-kino wa basketi basketball
gu-kīnga (-nze) 1. to shield
umu-kinyi (aba-) player
something, protect, shelter, 2. stand
in another's light, 3. to close, to
lock
in-kīnzo (in-) shield
i-kinga (ama-) (Sw.) bicycle
aga-kingamuco (udu-) lampshade
igi-kīngi (ibi-) large stick stuck in
ground, pillar, post, gatepost, cord
of tongue
kiryohoye (adj.) artistic
ru-kinzo traditional sacred royal
drum accompanying the king
wherever he went, was exchanged
with every new reign
kira bless you! get well!
(imperative of gukira)
52
gu-kizwa (-jijwe) to be saved,
delivered
ko (conj.) 1. since (cause, not
time), 2. that, 3. as
gu-koba (-vye) 1. to make a litle
hole in ground for planting a tree or
plant, 2. to dig up sweet potato with
fingers, dig as chicken does, 3. to
strip one of his clothing
gu-kōba (-vye) to draw up, roll up
(vi), (e.g. a skin that's been wet)
uru-koba (in-) skin
ubu-kōko (no pl.) 1. many small
insects, 2. animal
gu-kobeza (-je) to strive, persist
more strongly than before
uru-koko (in-) cream, scum
gu-kōbwa (-kowe) to be paid for
gu-kōkōbereza (-je) to hurry
gu-komānya (-nije) 1. to strike one
against the other (as knees, etc., in
fear or cold), 2. to grit teeth, 3. to
put wood on fire
in-kokokazi (in-) hen (female
in-komānzi (in-) 1. upset plans,
rapping, tapping, 2. reason, cause
chicken)
gu-komba (-mvye) to curve finger
(as in scraping food from dish)
umu-kōbwabo (aba-) 1. daughter
gu-kōkōra (-ye) to cut off
branches, to strip leaves from tree
or stick
of her sister, 2. daughter of his
brother
in-kokora (in-) elbow
umu-kōbwācu (aba-) 1. daughter
gu-kōkōrera (-ye) to strip off
i-kōmbe (ama-) in center of the
leaves for, because of
council
in-kokoro (in-) river bank
igi-kombe (ibi-) brow of hill,
slopes between two hills
marriage
umu-kōbwa (aba-) 1. girl, 2.
daughter (lit. the one to be given a
dowery)
of my sister (when girl speaking),
2. daughter of my brother (when
boy speaking)
umu-kōbwanyu (aba-) 1. daughter
of your sister (if the one spoken to
is a girl), 2. daughter of your
brother (if the one spoken to is a
boy)
udu-kōkōrwa peelings, leaves or
bark stripped from tree
umu-koloni (aba-) colonialist,
colonist, colonizer (also
umukoroni)
i-kōfe (ama-) (Sw.) slap, punch,
gu-koma (-mye) 1. to strike, 2. to
jab, hit, thump, thwack, slam
nudge, 3. to touch a person to
attract his attention
igi-kogoshi (ibi-) white worm
found in soil, grub
i-koma (ama-) framework of
umu-kogote (imi-) wagon
branches on which smaller ones are
interlaced in building a house
in-kogoto (in-) scar left by person
scratching or biting another
igi-koma (ibi-) porridge
gu-koma amashi to applaud, to
gu-kōmba (-mvye) 1. to use up,
finish food (vt), 2. to clean up one's
plate completely
igi-kōmbe (ibi-) (Sw.) 1. cup, mug,
2. small tin container
in-kōmbe (in-) shore, lakeshore,
riverbank, coast
gu-kōmbōra (-ye) to destroy, to
take away completely, remove
chief
gu-komera (-ye) 1. to be well, to
be strong, to be in good health, 2. to
be difficult, to be hard, to be tough,
robust, 3. to strike at, for
igi-komere (ibi-) 1. ulcer, 2.
wound, sore
igi-kohwa (ibi-) spur (of chicken)
clap hands
umu-kokayi (aba-) person reruiting
gu-koma ibōbo to beg earnestly
injured
gu-koma indūru to wail, give cry
gu-komeretsa (-keje) to wound
the clients for a taxi or bus
gu-kokeza (-je) singing for the
hunt, rousing the hunting dog
umu-kokezi (aba-) traditional
drummer, keeping the basic rhythm
gu-komereka (-tse) to be wounded,
of alarm
gu-komeretswa (-kejwe) to be
gu-komānga (-nze) to knock
(originally, to strike earth to make
ants come out)
koko (adv.) indeed, truly, really, in
gu-komāngira (-ye) to strike,
fact
knock for
aga-kōko (udu-) small animal,
gi-komāngīsha (shije) to knock
insect
with
gu-komereza (-je) to make strong
at, for
nda-komeye I am fine (said as
answer to the question:
urakomeye?)
ura-komeye are you well? how are
bu-kōko (no pl.) truly animal
gu-komāntara (-ye) to be hard-
igi-kōko (ibi-) wild animal, insect
hearted, to be beaten down (as
path)
in-koko (in-) chicken
wounded
gu-komāntaza (-je) to make hard
in-kōko (in-) flat basket with lid
53
you? (from gukomera) (replied by
ndakomeye!)
gu-komeza (-je) 1. to continue, 2.
make strong, 3. to persevere, to
sustain, 4. to confirm
in-komezi (in-) strength
ubu-komezi 1. consistency, 2.
strength
gu-komezwa (-jwe) to be made
strong
in-komi (in-) walking stick
i-komine (ama-) town, commune
(Fr.)
komite committee (from Fr.)
gu-kōndōra (-ye) 1. to succeed in
persuading someone to leave his
evil ways, 2. to pick squash or corn
from stalk
gu-kōndōrera (-ye) 1. to go
together to see something (of many
people), 2. to help another to
overcome an enemy
in-komoka (in-) beginning, origin
aga-komokomo (udu-) base of
brain, occiput (also inkomokomo)
gu-kōra (-ye) 1. to eat what's left
male
on peeling of roasted banana, etc.
(gukōra ibishishwa), 2. to
continually beg
i-konfitire jam
gu-kora umudo to stuff a mattress
in-kone (in-) eunuch, castrated
gu-komoka (-tse) to be born of a
certain family, to come from
gu-kora (-ze) 1. to work, 2. to do,
3. to touch, 4. to make cough (spit),
5. to be fatal, 6. it's enough (salt,
medicine, etc.) in something else, 7.
to produce
urakoze (or, wakoze) thank you
uzoba ukoze thanks in advance
gu-kongereza (-je) to make a fire
gu-koragura (-ye) to cause to fall
in
abundance
umu-kongomani (Aba-) Congolese
person
gu-koragurika (-tse) 1. to fall
igi-kōni (ibi-) (Sw.) kitchen
gu-komora (-ye) to bite (serpent)
in-koni (in-) walking stick
gu-komorwa (-we) to be bitten (by
gu-kōnja (-nje) to be cold, to chill
down continually, in abundance (as
branches blown down), 2. to run
downhill
gu-koragurikira (-ye) to fall
continually at
snake)
i-konje (ama-) vacation, holidays
i-kompanyi (i-) company
(from Fr. congé)
gu-korako (-zeko) to touch
(business)
ubu-konje coldness, cold
gu-kōmvōmvoka (-tse) to finish
gu-korakora (-ye) to touch, feel of,
to be lightfingered
completely (vi)
gu-kōnjēsha (-sheje) to cause to be
cold, to freeze (vt)
gu-korakorwa (-we) to be felt of
gu-kōmvōmvora (-ye) to finish
completely (vt), consume, destroy
completely
hand
gu-komvora (-ye) to be destroyed
igi-kōnjo (ibi-) 1. wrist, 2. back of
in-kono (in-) clay cooking pot
suddenly
umu-kono (imi-) handle of bucket
gu-komwa (-mwe) 1. to be struck,
umu-konotsi (aba-) 1. strong virile
2. be displaced
person, 2. homosexual person, gay
gu-kona (-nnye) 1. to cut off, 2. to
prune, 3. to castrate, to make sterile
konvuwayeri (ba-) conductor (in
taxi or bus, from Fr. convoyeur)
igi-kōna (ibi-) crow
gu-konya (-nye) to bend joint
in-kondo (in-) handle (e.g. of
gushira igi-konyo to work with
spoon)
zeal, earnestness
mama w'umu-kōndo beloved
igi-konyo (ibi-) indifference
mother
gu-korana (-nye) 1. to work
together, 2. to touch each other, 3.
to meet together
gu-korana mu minwe na to shake
hands with
gu-korana mu minwe na to shake
hands with
igi-korane (ibi-) meeting
gu-koraniriza (-je) to assemble
together (vt)
i-koraniro (ama-) 1. meeting, 2.
event
umu-konyogo (imi-) string bean
umu-kōndo (imi-) 1. navel, 2. spot
(green)
opposite door or house, 3. end of
boat
igi-konyozi (ibi-) frost, severe cold
gu-kōndōka (-tse) 1. to separate
i-koperative (ama-) cooperative
(vi), 2. to stop a thing because
someone has repeatedly warned or
advised you
igi-kopo (ibi-) (Sw.) tin can
gu-koranya (-nije) to bring
together, to cause to meet together,
to assemble
gu-korera (-ye) to work at, to work
for (someone)
gu-korerwa (-we) to be served,
54
worked for
gu-korēsha (-sheje) 1. to use, 2. to
employ, 3. to cause to work, 4. to
keep (someone) busy
gu-korwa (-zwe) 1. to be touched,
2. be worked on
umu-koresha (aba-) chef, boss,
2. action, 3. service
employer
igi-korēsho (ibi-) instrument, tool
ibikorēsho vyo mu inzu
household (goods)
ibikoresho vyo ku meza
tableware
i-kōri (ama-) taxes
umu-korobe (imi-) microbe, germ
in-korofani (in-) wheelbarrow
(from Sw.)
gu-korogoshora (-ye) 1. to chip
stone, 2. make holes in stone, 3. to
hollow out
uru-korogoto (in-) papyrus reeds
(dry)
gu-koroka (-tse) to fall from above
gu-korokana to fall with
igi-korwa (ibi-) 1. work, task, deed,
ubu-kristo (no pl.) Christianity
umu-kristo (aba-) Christian
i-kosa (ama-) (Sw.) mistake
ku 1. on, upon, 2. at, 3. to (the
outside of a thing), 4. from (outside
of a thing), 5. over
gu-kosha (-sheje) (Sw.) to make a
ubu-ku (no pl.) sudden startled cry
mistake
or scream (gutura ubuku)
gu-kōsha (-sheje) to cause to pay
ku mamina ngohe noon (when one
dowry, ask for dowry
has to tip head back to see the sun)
i-kosha (ama-) (Sw.) mistake
gu-koshōra (-ye) (Sw.) 1. to
correct, to rectify, 2. to amend
gu-kosōra (-ye) (Sw.) 1. to correct,
to rectify, 2. to amend
in-kōta (in-) sword, long knife
i-koti (ama-) coat, jacket
igi-koti (ibi-) cuttings for planting
(esp. manioc)
in-kovu (in-) scar
ku musase morning between 9 and
10 o'clock
gu-kuba (-vye) 1. to fold, roll up,
2. to threaten to rain, 3. turn back,
to have to return home because of
bad news
gu-kūba (-vye) 1. to toss garment
over shoulder, 2. to drag on the
ground, 3. to scratch
in-kuba (in-) thunder (actually, the
imaginary animal that makes the
thunder)
gu-korokera (-ye) to fall at, for, on
gu-kovya (-beje) to hurry, persist,
be energetic, strive after
ubu-kuba (no pl.) 1. quickness, 2.
udu-korokera crumbs
ubu-koyo (no pl.) stoop-
umu-kuba (imi-) current of stream,
i-koroketi croquette
shouldered-ness (as result of illness
or hunger) (term of scorn)
wave
uru-korōnko (in-) charm or horn
used by witch doctor
gu-koropa (-fye) to mop, wipe,
swab
gu-korora (-ye) 1. to throw down
from above, cause to fall down
from above, 2. to cough
gu-koza (-jeje) 1. to dip in sauce,
to dunk, 2. to eat two kinds of food
together
gu-kōza (-jeje) to continually beg
mura-koze Thank you! (pl., polite)
(lit.: you worked!)
agility
gu-kubagura (-ye) 1. to box, 2.
fight in fun, 3. to shave off fibers
for thread
gu-kūbēba (-vye) to drag along
quickly (as wind or river) (vt)
gu-kūbēbera (-ye) to carry away
(as water does)
ura-koze Thank you! (sg.) (lit.: you
gu-kūbēbwa (-bwe) to be dragged
worked)
along
umu-kozi (aba-) 1. worker,
workman, employee, laborer, 2.
staff, workforce, personnel, crew
(pl.)
kubera (conj.) because
umu-kozi dukorana (aba) collegue
kuber'iki why?, because of what?
(from gukorana)
in-kūbi (in-) storm (wind and rain)
umu-kozi mugenzi (aba) collegue
umu-kubi (imi-) bean leaves
spit, sputum
umu-kozi wo mu rugo (aba) house
worker (male or female)
gu-kubira (-ye) 1. to fold on,
around, 2. threaten to rain at
gu-korōza (-je) to cause to cough
Kristo Christ
in-korora (in-) cough, cold
in-korora y'akānīra pertussis,
whooping cough, whoop
gu-kororera (-ye) to cough at
igi-kororgwa (ibi-) phlegm
umu-kororōmvyi (imi-) 1. streak
(caused by water, sweat, etc.), 2.
rainbow
igi-kororwa (ibi-) phlegm, spittle,
55
kuber'iki because of what?, why?
kubera iki why?, because of what?
gu-kubirana (-nye) to retrace one's
step
gu-kubiranya (-nije) 1. to fold
repeatedly, 2. to cause to return
gu-kubita (-se) 1. to beat, hit, 2. to
whip
gu-kubita akamāri to gamble
gu-kubitana (-nye) to hit each
other
gu-kubitira (-ye) to beat at, for,
umu-kuka (imi-) cliff
kuki (adv.) why?
gu-kūnda (-nze) 1. to like, 2. to
love, 3. to be in agreement, 4. to be
to be a part of, 3. to be subject to, to easy
depend on
ndagu-kūnda I love you, I like you
kuko (conj.) because
(from gukūnda)
umu-kuku (imi-) 1. ditch, trench,
ravine, 2. line, row (of people or
animals), 3. herd of animals (tame
or wild)
in-kukuma (in-) eagle
gu-kubitirwa (-we) to be beaten for
in-kukūra (in-) very heavy rain
beat
gu-kubitwa (-swe) to be beaten
gu-kubūra (-ye) to sweep, clean
with brush
gu-kubūrira (-ye) to sweep at, for
gu-kubūrwa (-we) to be swept
gu-kubūza (-je) to sweep with,
together as one
gu-kūkira (-ye) 1. to pertain to, 2.
because of
gu-kubitīsha (-shije) to cause to
kumwe (adv.) together with,
(sweeps away crops or hillsides)
gu-kumakuma (-mye) to pile
together (vt)
kundāba look at me! (from kurāba)
gu-kūndana (-nye) 1. to love each
other, 2. to be romantic, 3. to be
dating, to date
gu-kūndanīsha (-shije) to
reconcile, cause to love each other
ubu-kūndanyi (no pl.) kindness,
graciousness
umu-kūndanyi (aba-) charitable,
n-kumbaruboko index finger
kind person
igi-kūmbi (ibi-) 1. debris, 2. grain
and chaff mixed
gu-kūndira (-ye) 1. to allow, 2. to
love one for something
ubu-kūmbi (no pl.) pile of mixed
grain and chaff
igi-kūndiro (ibi-) 1. permission, 2.
affection, sympathy
in-kūmbu (in-) lonesomeness
gu-kūndīsha (-shije) to cause to
gu-kūmbura (-ye) to be lonesome
for, to long for, to miss
love
gu-kūmbuza (-je) to make
gu-kūndwa (-nzwe) to be loved
lonesome for
mu-kūndwa (ba-) dear, beloved
uru-kumbuzi (in-) nostalgia,
(person)
homesickness
in-kūndwākazi (in-) favorite wife
i-kuga (ama-) barking
in-kumi (in-) 1. girl of
marriageable age, 2. teenage girl
igi-kunga (ibi-) squash, gourd
kugira ngo (conj.) in order that
ubu-kumi (no pl.) marriageable
gu-kugīsha (-shije) to cause to
(trad.) age of young girl
bark
gu-kumīra (-riye) to separate,
throw apart, to send from room
help to sweep, cause to sweep
umu-kubūzo (imi-) broom, brush
kubwa 1. according to, 2. on
account of, 3. because of, 4. for the
sake of
gu-kūbwa (-bwe) 1. to be
scratched, 2. dragged on ground
gu-kuga (-ze) to bark (dog)
gu-kugunya (-ye) to throw out, to
uru-kūndo 1. love, 2. deep
affection,
3. romance
kūmbure perhaps, maybe, probably
umu-kunga (imi-) squash, gourd
gu-kungagura (-ye) to cause to
fall, to push down
gu-kungagurika (-tse) to fall and
skin yourself
throw away
umu-kumirizi (aba-) one who
kuka impossible!
keeps the crowd back
gu-kuka (-tse) to rise, to swell (of
gu-kumīrwa (-we) to be separated,
anything containing leaven)
sent from room
ama-kūngu mixed crowd of people
in-kūka (in-) 1. slope of hill, 2.
igi-kumu (ibi-) 1. thumbprint, 2.
agreement (gutera igikumu)
ubu-kūngu group of attendants or
uru-kumu (in-) thumb
umu-kungugu (imi-) dust
beach, shore, strand, coast, 3.
ransom, redemption price
56
gu-kungēra (-reye) to come
together (as crowd of people)
helpers to elders
gu-kunguka (-tse) to be skinned
--kuru (adj.) 1. important, 2. senior,
(by falling)
3. great (not size), 4. ancient
gu-kungura (-ye) to skin (vt), to
ama-kuru (greeting) What's new?
throw on ground
in-kuru (ama-) 1. news, 2. story, 3.
kuwa gatatu Wednesday
kuwa kabiri Tuesday
kuwa kane Thursday
umu-kūnjo (imi-) hem
fame (usually in pl.)
kuwa mbere Monday
gu-kunkumura (-ye) to shake (vt)
mu-kuru (ba-) 1. older brother of a
kuwa Mungu Sunday
boy, 2. older sister of a girl
ubu-kuru (no pl.) old age,
gu-kuyakuya (-ye) to caress, to
fondle, to cuddle
seniority, importance
ama-kuyano buttermilk
friend, 2. one who loves, lover, 3.
fiance, 4. sweetheart, darling
umu-kuru (aba-) 1. elder,
important person, 2. male adult
to smooth out
aga-kūra (no pl.) one who
surpasses all others
radio etc.)
gu-kura (-ze) to grow, to mature
kur'ubu (conj.) perhaps
gu-kūra (-ye) 1. to take away, take
out of, subtract, 2. to abduct 3. to
make for
kur'ūbu perhaps
ubu-kūnzi (no pl.) affection,
charity
umu-kūnzi (aba-) 1. intimate
in-kura rhinoceros
in-kuru nshasha news (as in TV,
gu-kuyēngeza (-je) 1. to polish, 2.
gu-kuza (-jije) 1. to cause to grow,
to enlarge, 2. to bring up (child)
umu-kuza (imi-) long gourd, sack
made of skin
ear wax, to cause to understand
igi-kuze (ibi-) adult, grown-up
(from gukura)
gu-kurugutuza (-je) to clean ears
i-kuzimu hole in ground, interior of
gu-kurugutura (-ye) to clean out
gu-kurana (-nye) to grow together
with
earth
gu-kūranwa (-nywe) to take turns
ibi-kurugūtwi deafness
gu-kuzwa (-jijwe) to be caused to
grow, to be brought up (child)
kure (adv.) 1. far, 2. far away
ubu-kurugutwi (no pl.) ear wax
kuri 1. to, 2. at, 3. on, upon
i-kurujeti courgette, zucchini (Fr.)
igi-kuri (ibi-) dwarf, midget
uru-kurukuru (in-) blackmail
gu-kurikira (-ye) to follow
in-kūrūma (in-) windstorm
kw 1. on, 2. at, 3. to (the outside of
a thing), 4. from (outside of a
thing), (form of ku before fifth class
nouns in singular, e.g. kw ibuye on a rock)
gu-kurikirana (-nye) 1. to follow
gu-kurūngira (-ye) to polish, make
kwa 1. at, 2. at the home of, 3. to
one after the other, 2. to pursue, 3.
to monitor
smooth
gu-kwa (-koye) to pay dowry
gu-kurura (-ye) to drag along a
uru-kurikirane list, list of things
very heavy thing
ga-kwābu comma
gu-kurikiza (-je) to cause to follow
umu-kuruwigihugu (aba-)
gu-kurira (-ye) 1. to pull grass
president
away from base of plant, 2. to grow
at, for
gu-kūrwa (-we) to be taken away
gu-kūrira (-ye) to take away at, for
teachable, 2. willing to be
admonished
umu-kurira (aba-) a weaned child
gu-kuririrwa (-we) to be followed,
to have younger brothers or sisters
gu-kurirwa (-riwe) to be about to
gu-kūrwakw ijambo 1. to be
mu-kurwanje (ba-) 1. older brother
gu-kwākwānya (-nije) to do
quickly, to hurry
in-kwāno (in-) dowry price
in-kwāre (in-) partridge
igi-kwāshu (ibi-) safety pin
of a boy, 2. older sister of a girl
uru-kwāvu (in-) rabbit, hare
i-kusi (no pl.) (Sw.) south
ubu-kwe wedding
give birth, to expect (a child)
i-kuta (ama-) ten centime piece
gu-kūrīsha (-shije) to take away by
kuwa gatandatu Saturday
means of
umu-kwābu (imi-) scratch
kuwa gatanu Friday
57
umu-kwe (aba-) bridegroom,
groom
gu-kwēga (-ze) 1. to draw, to pull,
to drag, 2. to attract
aga-kwegamajwi antenna, aerial
gu-kwēgana (-nye) to pull each
other
gu-kwēgera (-ye) 1. to pull at, 2. to
pull towards
gu-kwēgēsha (-sheje) to cause to
pull, help to pull, pull with
aga-kwēgo (udu-) dash, hyphen,
line
umu-kwēgo (imi-) dash, hyphen,
line
gu-kwēgwa (-zwe) to be pulled
gu-kwema (-mye) to grind
gu-kwemagura (-ye) to grind
quickly
igi-kweme (ibi-) ground corn that
has first been roasted
igi-kwēmu (ibi-) garment that isn't
very long
gu-kwīragira (-ye) to spread
everywhere (vi)
gu-kwīragirana (-nye) to go
everywhere
ubu-mago (no pl.) magic
gu-kwīragiza (-je) 1. to scatter,
place here and there, 2. announce
everywhere
umu-mago (aba-) magician, certain
gu-kwīrana (-nye) 1. to be worthy
frequently divorces
of each other, 2. to be enough for
gu-kwīranya (-nije) to make
suitable for
ibi-kwirikira to following, the next
gu-kwīrwa (-we) to have enough
gu-kwīza (-jije) 1. to spread
abroad, 2. announce everywhere, 3.
make known
gu-kwīzwa (-jijwe) to be spread
everywhere
gu-kwērwa (-rewe) to receive the
L
leta the state, government (also
reta), (from Fr. l'état)
umu-leti (imi-) omelette
in-kwēto (in-) sandal
i-litero (ama-) liter
in-kwi (in-) firewood
iki-lito (ibi-) 1. singing, 2.
u-kwiga learning, education
gu-kwikira (-ye) to put handle on
reply)
gu-kwīra (-ye) 1. to be necessary,
2. be enough, to suffice, 3. to
ought, 4. to be worthy, 5. to suit, 6.
to be correct, 7. to become known
everywhere, spread abroad (vi)
mama (ba-) my, our mother
ku-mama (-mye) to silence by
motion of the hand
mama wacu (ba-) my, our maternal
aunt
mama wanje (ba-) my mother
mama w'umukōndo beloved
māmbu 'it just doesn't exist' (said
when you've looked for something
and can't find it)
i-mamfu (i-) large monkey
I-māna (i-) God
sentimental evening song
umu-liyoni (imi-) million
ubu-māna (no pl.) godliness
iki-lometero (ibi-) kilometre,
I-māna ibahezagire God bless you!
kilometer
(from guhēzagira)
gu-kwikirira (-ye) to put handle on
nda-kwinginze please (greeting,
or husband frequently
ku-mana (-nye) 1. to be together, 2.
to be neighbor, 3. to be a pair, to be
a couple
umu-mānda (imi-) tree of which
at, for
gu-kwikirīsha (-shije) to cause to
put handle on, put on with
ubu-māka (no pl.) changing wife
uru-māmbo (i-) nail, peg
dowry
uru-kwi (in-) firewood
iki-māka (ibi-) person who
mother
gu-kwēra (-reye) to pay dowry at,
middle aged man
kind of witch doctor
umu-malayika (aba-) (Sw.) angel
gu-kwirikira (-ye) to follow
to
igi-kwerere (ibi-) 1. bachelor, 2.
ku-madika (-tse) 1. to plate as with
silver, 2. to weld, 3. to graft tree, 4.
to trade butter for other things
M
ma (my) mother (short form of
mawe)
bark was used for clothing
mandarine tangerine, mandarine
umu-maneke (aba-) model
(fashion, photo etc.), mannequin
i-ma (ama-) drop of liquid
mābuja my mistress
Madamu Madame (Fr.)
i-mānga (ama-) cliff, ravine
iki-mānga (ibi-) cliff, ravine
i-mangazine (ama-) store
aka-mango (no pl.) cold in head
58
aka-mangu (no pl.) cold in head
ku-manika (-tse) 1. to hang up, to
suspend, 2. to raise up
aka-manikampuzu (utu-)
coathanger, coat stand
iki-manikampuzu (ibi-)
coathanger, coat stand
ku-manikira (-ye) to hang up for
ku-mara (-ze) 1. to finish (vt), 2. to
spend time, 3. to last, 4. to destroy
destroyed
ubu-mara (no pl.) poison
iki-masa (ibi-) male calf
i-marabiti (ama-) axe
i-mashīni (i-) machine (Fr.)
marakuja passion fruit
i-mashīni ikanyisha freezer
ku-maramara (-ze) to finish
completely (vt)
aka-mashu (utu-) trap, snare
ku-māramāra (-ye) 1. to be
ku-manikīsha (-shije) to cause to
hang up, help to hang up, hang up
with
ashamed, 2. to be confused, to be
dismayed
ku-manikwa (-tswe) to be hung up
finger bananas
iki-mano (ibi-) tongs used in
aka-māramāza (-je)
forging metals
embarrassment, shame, humiliation
ku-manuka (-tse) to descend
ku-māramāza (-je) to make
aka-manuko (utu-) descent, slope
of hill (pl. rare)
ubu-manuko South, to the south,
southwards
aka-maramasenge (utu-) lady-
ku-marwa (-zwe) to be finished,
ku-mata (-se) 1. to stick together
(vi), 2. to adhere, to become
attached, 3. cleave to
ku-matana (-nye) to stick together
(vi)
ku-matanya (-nije) to stick
ashamed, humiliate
ku-marana (-nye) 1. to spend time
together (vt)
i-matera mattress
ku-matūra (-ye) to take apart what
has been stuck together
together, 2. to finish each other off
māwe my (our) mother
ku-maranira (-ye) 1. to fight for, 2.
mayoneze mayonnaise (Fr.
to race
mayonnaise)
of hill
marariya malaria (also malariya)
maze (conj.) and then, therefore
ku-manura (-ye) to lower, cause to
marāya harlot, whore, hooker,
descend, bring down, take down,
drop down
prostitute (Sw. malaya)
umu-manuko (imi-) descent, slope
ku-manurwa (-we) to be brought
umu-marayika (aba-) (Sw.) angel
iki-maze (ibi-) traditional gender-
crossing priest
iki-mazi (ibi-) 1. sacrifice, 2. profit
(not financial), benefit, 3. value
down, taken down
marere fourth finger
ku-manuza (-je) 1. to come down,
aka-māri (utu-) dice
2. to depend on help of
gukubita aka-māri to gamble
utu-mānyagu (pl.) bits
i-māri (ama-) (Sw.) gain, profit,
ku-mānyagura (-ye) to break to
riches
bits
ku-marira (-ye) to profit (vt)
mbere 1. in fact, 2. before,
formerly
ku-mānyagurika (-tse) to break up
(vi)
ku-marīra (-riye) to finish
completely (vt), to end at, finish for
uru-mbēte (i-) trumpet
iki-mānyu (ibi-) 1. piece, 2.
ku-marīsha (-shije) to use up
fraction, 3. slice
mbe (question word, introduces a
question, comparable with 'hey' in
English)
mbēga (question word, introduces
a question)
mbēye (question word, introduces
a question)
hole (vi), to break up
aka-maro (utu-) 1. profit, benefit,
usefulness, value, 2. objective,
goal, 3. use, usage
ku-mānyuruka (-tse) to tear (vi),
ama-maro (no pl.) profit, benefit
i-me yes
mārume (ba-) brother of my
iki-me (no pl.) dew
ku-mānyuka (-tse) to tear a big
break
ku-mānyurwa (-we) to be broken,
torn
mother
i-mburugu gonorrhea
me yes, absolutely, certainly
uru-me (no pl.) dew
59
aka-meka (utu-) bucket (without a
lid)
ku-memēra (-reye) to sprinkle as
with powder, salt
ku-menyēsha (-sheje) 1. to inform, umu-mesūzi (aba-) launderer
2. to educate, 3. cause to know, to
make known, 4. to publish, to issue ku-meswa (-shwe) to be washed
ku-menyēshwa (-shejwe) to be
i-metero metre
informed
i-meya (ama-) -centime piece
object with rather flat surface)
iki-menyetso (ibi-) sign
a-meza (no pl.) (Sw.) table
ku-menagura (-ye) to break to bits
ubu-menyi 1. science, knowledge,
(vt)
2. acquaintance, 3. education
aka-meza (utu-) small table
ku-menagurika (-tse) to break to
umu-menyi (aba-) 1. scholar,
bits (vi)
scientist, knowledgable person, 2.
prophet
ku-mena (-nnye) to break (vt) (esp.
ku-meneka (-tse) to break (vi)
ku-meneka umutwe to have a
ku-menywa (-nywe) to be known
i-meza (no pl.) (Sw.) table
ku-meza (-jeje) to cause to sprout
umu-mezo (imi-) hoe handle
ku-mīja (-je) to sprinkle, throw
water
headache
iki-mera (ibi-) plant
ku-menera (-ye) to break at, for
symbol
ku-mera (-ze) 1. to be such as, 2. to ku-mījagira (-riye) to sprinkle (vt)
be found so, 3. to become, 4. to be
ku-mījīra (-riye) to sprinkle, splash
in a certain state, 5. to germinate, to
(vi), to plant broadcast
sprout
ku-mījīrana (-nye) to sprinkle each
aka-mere (utu-) nature (of person
other
or thing)
ku-mījīrīsha (-shije) to cause to
ubu-mere condition, state, status
sprinkle, help to sprinkle, sprinkle
with
aka-meremere (utu-) nature (of
person or thing)
ku-mījīrwa (-we) to be sprinkled on
ku-mererwa (-we) to be in such a
ku-mimina (-nye) to strain (as
state
water)
uku-mererwa state, condition,
ku-miminira (-ye) to strain at, for
shape
ku-miminīsha (-shije) to cause to
ku-merēsha (-sheje) to cause to
strain, strain with, help to strain
sprout by
ku-menyēkana (-nye) to be well
ama-mesa (Sw.) palm oil
ku-menēsha (-sheje) to break with
ku-mēnja (-nje) to rebel against
authority, to fight for independance
umu-mēnja (aba-) enemy
ku-menwa (-nywe) to be broken
a-menya (adj.) naked
ku-menya (-nye) 1. to know, 2. to
be acquainted, 3. to recognize,
identify, realize, register, perceive,
grasp, understand, discern,
apprehend, notice
iki-menyamenya (ibi-) sign,
known
ku-mesa (-she) to wash clothes, to
ku-miminuka (-tse) to strain itself
ku-miminwa (-nwe) to be strained
ku-menyēra (-reye) 1. to be
accustomed to, to be adapted to, 2.
to do a thing habitually, 3. to adapt
dye barkcloth
uku-menyēra 1. experience, 2.
ku-mesera (-ye) to wash clothes at,
knowledge, 3. skill
for
ku-menyerana (-nye) to get
acquainted with each other, to get
accustomed to each other
ku-mesēsha (-sheje) to wash with,
ku-miragura (-ye) to swallow
help to wash
gluttonously
umu-meshi (aba-) launderer
ku-mirira (-ye) to swallow at, for
ku-mesūra (-ye) to wash clothes,
ku-menyēreza (-je) 1. to habituate,
uku-mesa washing powder
aka-minūza (utu-) something that
surpasses anything of its kind
ka-minūza university
ku-mira (-ze) to swallow
make accustomed to, get used to, 2.
to tame
to launder
ku-mirīsha (-shije) to cause to
swallow, help to swallow
aka-menyēro (utu-) habit
ku-mesūrwa (-we) to be washed
mirongumunāni (adj.) eighty
ku-mesūza (-je) to wash with, help
mirongurwēnda (adj.) ninety
to wash
60
mirongwibiri (adj.) twenty
mirongwicēnda (adj.) ninety
mirongwināni (adj.) eighty
ubu-moso left hand or side
umu-moso (aba-) person of a
particular region of Burundi
mirongwindwi (adj.) seventy
ku-mōta (-se) to smell good, cause
to smell good
mirongwine (adj.) forty
ubu-mōte (no pl.) fragrance
uru-muri (i-) light (not day light),
torch
ku-murika (-tse) to shine, light the
path (esp. with torch)
ku-murikira (-ye) to shine at, for
ku-murikīsha (-shije) to light with,
help to light
mirongwirindwi (adj.) seventy
i-moteri (ama-) engine, motor
mirongwitandatu (adj.) sixty
aka-moteshandya spice
by
mirongwitānu (adj.) fifty
aka-moto (utu-) fragrance
mirongwitātu (adj.) thirty
ku-motsa (-keje) to cause to shout
mūsi (adv.) under, beneath,
underneath
ku-mirwa (-zwe) to be swallowed
--mpi (adj.) both (bōmpi, twēmpi,
ku-mutaga midday (from German:
i-misa mass (catholic)
mwēmpi, etc.)
Tag)
umu-misiyoneri (aba-) missionary
mpore 1. sorry! 2. be careful!
mw 1. in, into, 2. during, 3. out of
i-misiyoni (i-) mission (station)
ku-mōbwa (-bewe) to be shaved,
have hair cut
i-modoka (ama-) car, automobile
uru-mogi (i-) hemp
ku-mogorera (-ye) to be
accustomed to
ku-moka (-tse) to call out across
(from Sw. pole)
iki-mpwiri (ibi-) song for two
alternating choirs
mu 1. in, into, 2. during, 3. out of
(the inside of a thing, e.g. kuva mu
muriro – to come out of the fire)
mu maso hiwe in his face
iki-muga (ibi-) cripple,
handicapped person
the hills (implies scorn of one doing ubu-muga paralysis, diability,
it)
handicap, weakness, lameness
ku-mokera (-ye) to shout at, for
ku-mokēsha (-sheje) to cause to
shout
ku-mokēshwa (-shejwe) to be
caused to shout
i-moketi fitted carpet, wall-to-wall
mugabo (conj.) 1. but, 2. however,
3. nevertheless
ku-mwāga (-ze) to tear clothes (in
anger)
ku-mwāna (-nye) to cut each
other's hair
ku-mwanyuruka (-tse) to tear a big
rip (vi)
--mwe (adj.) 1. one, single, 2. some
(with pl. prefix), 3. same, (see
hamwe, kumwe, kimwe, rimwe,
rimwe na rimwe)
ku-mugaza (-je) to make crippled
comparably, correspondingly (from
-mwe)
iki-mōko (ibi-) (Sw.) whip, lash
muka wife of
ku-momoka (-tse) to be easy to
Mukakaro July
roots
ku-mwa (-mōye) to cut hair, shave
ha-mwe (adv.) 1. together, here
together, 2. equally, even, same
i-muhira (adv.) (no pl.) at home
ku-momora (-ye) to pull out by the
the inside, (form of mu before fifth
class nouns in singular, e.g. mw
ishuli - in school)
ku-mugara (-ye) 1. to be or
become weak, 2. to be impotent, 3.
to be paralyzed
carpet
pull out
ku-murikwa (-tswe) to be lighted
ki-mwe (adv.) similarly, likewise,
ri-mwe (adv.) once
turiku-mwe we are together, we'll
ku-mūkishirīza (-je) to dry in sun
or near fire
stay in touch, we'll see us (greeting
when parting from friends)
ubu-mwe unity
mūnsi (adv.) under
ku-momoza (-je) to cause, help to
pull, pull with
Munyonyo November
ku-mōngōra (-ye) to pick a
muramukazanje (ba-) my sister-in-
chicken
law
--mwe na same as
ri-mwe na rimwe sometimes
mwēbwe you (pl.)
mwēho you, in contrast to others
muri in, into, within, among
61
nāmwe and you
nkāmwe like you
n'ah ejo See you tomorrow
ku-nanirwa (-we) 1. to be tired, 2.
to be overcome by something
difficult
smile (manifest pleasure, but not
necessarily show teeth)
naho (conj.) 1. although, 2. but, 3.
whereas, 4. even if
ku-naniza (-je) 1. to tire out, 2. to
overcome (vt)
aka-mwemwe (utu-) smile
nānje and I, and me, me too
often
nāka (ba-) so-and-so, what's his
name (male)
banaka those ones (unnamed
people)
ku-mwēnyura (-ye) to smile
i-nakigabiro traditional sacred
ku-mwemwamwemwa (-mwe) to
ku-mwenyagura (-ye) to smile
ku-mwēra (-reye) to shave for
ku-mwēsha (-sheje) to help to
umu-nago (imi-) shoot, bud, sprout
drum "lady of the land"
i-nakwezi (i-) kind of sweet potato
i-nanyaru (i-) kind of sweet potato
umu-nara (imi-) tower
uru-nāri (i-) wire (not real coarse
or real fine)
ku-narirwa (-riwe) to be tired
shave, shave with
i-nāma (i-) 1. meeting, council,
conference, 2. advice, consultation,
counsel, 3. agreement, 4.
suggestion
i-narume (ba-) uncle (brother of
mwīriwe 1. good afternoon, good
n'amabi I'm not fine (from -bi)
i-nce (i-) hymen
n'amaki How are you? (greeting)
ndabaramukije I greet you (pl.)
nāmba if
ndagukūmbuye I miss you (from
ku-namba (-mvye) 1. to struggle,
gukūmbura)
nose
have a difficult life, 2. to lose
weight
Ndamukiza April
ku-myōka (-tse) to be peeled
i-nāmbu (i-) appetite, desire for a
iri-ndazi (ama-) donut like snack
food, served with tea
evening, 2. hello (in
afternoon/evening, greeting used
when meeting for second time same
day)
mwiyumve neza Feel at home!
Myandagaro August
ku-myīra (-riye) to wipe child's
ku-myōra (-ye) to gather, harvest
(esp. corn), to peel, skin
umu-myōre (imi-) stripe from
beating
ku-myōza (-je) to pluck from stalk
certain food
ku-nāna (-nnye) to resist, refuse
somewhat, be refractory
uru-nana (i-) 1. small ornamental
axe, 2. bracelet worn on hand for
special occasion
uru-nāna (i-) rolling stone
N
i-nanasi (i-) pineapple
his, her, thei1r mother)
nāwe and you
nde (adj.) who? (in questions and
with 1. class sg. only)
(who is it?) ninde
ba-nde (adj.) who? (in questions
and with 1. class pl. only)
i-ndengo (i-) milling song
ndetse (conj.) 1. except, 2.
moreover
na 1. and (for words in a series or
umu-nanasi pineapple spirit
phrases, but not clauses), 2. by, 3.
with, 4. even
i-nānga (i-) burundian zither, harp,
musical instrument
na mba not at all, not in the least
i-nangoma (i-) kind of sweet
na ntāryo ever, always
potato
aha-ndi (adv.) elsewhere,
somewhere else
nābi (adv.) badly, poorly
umu-nāni (adj.) eight, eight times
ubu-ndi (adv.) another time
uru-nani (i-) holding hands to form
uku-ndi (adj.) 1. again, 2.
i-nābi (no pl.) evil (noun)
i-nabuderi (i-) kind of sweet potato
i-naga (i-) cooking pot
ku-naga (-ze) to sprout after
cutting
--ndi (adj.) other, another, more
(uwūndi, abāndi etc., see also
ukundi, ahandi)
circle or line (gufatana urunani)
otherwise, 3. anymore
ku-nanira (-ye) to tire out, be too
aha-ndiho (adv.) otherwise
difficult for
i-ndoromyi (i-) calling horn or
trumpet,
musical instrument
ku-nanirana (-nye) to be absolutely
too difficult
62
i-ndwi 1. seven, seven times, 2.
week
i-ndwi iheze last week
i-ndwi iza next week
ku-nēsha (-sheje) 1. to conquer,
win, be victor, 2. defeat, 3. to
triumph over
ku-neshereza (-je) to enable to
conquer
ngwīno come here!
ni 1. it is, he is, she is, there is,
(negative si), 2. if, when
ni ko (conj.) 1. all right, 2. that's so,
3. thus
--ne (adj.) four
ku-nēshwa (-shejwe) to be
ka-ne four times (from -ne)
defeated
ni mwicare Please sit down
ku-nēbagura (-ye) to find fault
nēza (adv.) nicely, well, fine
ni neza it's fine, it's good
with everything, to hate everything,
to criticize
aka-nēza joy
ni nēza it's fine, it's good
i-nēza (noun) good
ni sawa it's ok, it's alright (Sw.)
nēza cane fabulous, great
ni vyiza that's good, fine
ku-nēzēra (-reye) 1. to make
ni vyiza kubonana nāwe nice to
ku-nebwa (-bwe) to be lazy
iki-nebwe (ibi-) very lazy person
(rude, derogative)
ubu-nebwe (no pl.) laziness
umu-nebwe (aba-) lazy person
ku-nebwēsha (-sheje) to make
lazy, cause to waste time
ku-nega (-ze) to spurt out
ku-neganega (-ze) to come to greet
often (when one is in disfavor in
hopes of gaining favor)
iki-nege (ibi-) only child
ku-negura (-ye) 1. to denounce, 2.
to blame, 3. speak evil of, 4. to
make fun of, 5. to criticize,
ku-negurwa (-we) to be criticized,
mocked
umu-neke (imi-) ripe banana
happy, 2. to give pleasure
ku-nēzereza (-je) to please, to
make glad
meet you, nice to see you
ku-nibaniba (-vye) to strut about in
fine clothes
umu-nēzēro (imi-) joy, happiness
ku-niga (-ze) 1. to strangle, 2. to
choke, suffocate, stifle, 3. to grab
by neck, 4. to tie neck of a sack
ku-nēzērwa (-rewe) 1. to be happy,
2. to be pleased
ku-nigana (-nye) 1. to fight, 2. to
strangle each other
ngāha (adv.) here
uru-nigi necklace
ngāhe (adj.) how many?
ku-nigira (-ye) to strangle at, for
iki-nēzēro (ibi-) joy, happiness
-ngaho so many
ka-ngāhe how many times?
ngāho there
ku-ngana (-nye) 1. to be equal, 2.
to be the same, 3. to be so many
ku-nganya (-nije) to make equal
nigiria ikigongwe excuse me
ku-nigīsha (-shije) to cause to
strangle, strangle with
ku-nigwa (-zwe) to be strangled
uku-nigwa strangling,
strangulation
ku-nēna (-nnye) 1. to refuse to eat
and drink with, 2. to scorn
ama-ngetengete magic
ku-nēnana (-nye) to scorn each
ngo come!
other
ngo in order that, that
ku-nēnera (-ye) to scorn at, for,
ama-ngo (no sing.) time, moment
groan
i-ngoga (i-) 1. quickness, 2. agility,
3. eagerness, 4. speed, haste
iki-ngōrongōro (ibi-) 5 franc piece
niho (emphatic particle placing
emphasis on the preceding
constituent)
umwana niho the/ this/ that child
(emphasizing the child)
Mu-ngu God (from Sw., term
umu-niho (imi-) groan, moaning
introduced by missionaries in
contrast to the traditional Kirundi
term Imāna)
niko (conj.) all right, that's so, thus
because of
ku-nengesēra (-reye) to fill to the
brim, to surpass others altogether,
to be perfect
ku-nengesēreza (-je) to fill to
brim, give good measure
umu-nēngo (imi-) pincer used by
snuff smokers, clothespin
ngombwa (adj.) important
63
ku-niha (-she) 1. to groan, to wail,
2. to sigh, 3. to complain
ku-nihira (-ye) to groan at, for
ku-nihīsha (-shije) to cause to
nimero number
n'imitende he's better, I'm better
ku-ninahaza (-je) to praise highly,
to exalt
ku-ninahazwa (-jwe) to be praised,
ku-nobana (-nye) to peck together,
ku-nōnōra (-ye) to make supple,
each other
flexible
iki-nobano (ibi-) something you
ku-nōnōsora (-ye) to finish
completely (vt)
find
exalted
ku-nogera (-ye) to eat
umu-ninahazwa (aba-) honored
person
ku-nogēra (-ye) 1. to love deeply
and obey, 2. to persist
ninde who? who is it?
ku-nogerana (-nye) to love each
n'ingoga (adv.) quickly
--nini (adj.) 1. large, 2. big, 3. thick
iki-nini (ibi-) 1. cinchona tree, 2.
tablet, pill (from Fr. quinine)
ubu-nini 1. largeness, 2. size, 3.
width
i-nivo (i-) niveau, level (from Fr.)
other
i-nota (ama-) score, mark, school
grade, point (on grading scale)
umu-nota (imi-) minute
i-noti (i-) banknote (Fr.)
aka-novera (no pl.) taste, flavor
iki-nogo (ibi-) hole in ground
ku-nogora (-ye) to cut eyes out
Noheli Christmas (Fr. noel)
umu-noho (aba-) glutton
ku-nohoka (-tse) to get thin
--novu (adj.) 1. delicious, 2. pure,
undiluted (esp. beer), 3. dense
ku-noza (-je) 1. to eat, 2. to chew,
grind
umu-nsi (imi-) day
uyumunsi today
uyumunsi uyumunsi this very day
umunsi ur'izina on a certain day
(answered by nivyo or sivyo)
ku-nohorwa (-we) to be greedy for
a certain food and want only that, to
become thin from worry or work
nsumbazose middle finger
iki-njāna century
i-nombe (no pl.) soil with much
nivyo is it like this? isn't it?
iki-njanja (ibi-) piece of metal
clay in it
nta (with high tone) 1. no, 2. none,
3. there is no
placed on stones over fire to set pot
on
uru-nombe (no pl.) soil with much
--nje (adj.) my
iki-nōmo (ibi-) hoof
nka (adv.) (prep.) like, about
nōn'aha (adv.) right now, here and
(approximately)
now
nta muntu no person, nobody
nōnaha (adv.) right now, here and
nta na kimwe neither, none
nkāwe like you
ku-nkīranya (-nije) to assault, to
attack (esp. young man assaulting
girl)
nkombarukoko index finger
nk'ūko as, like (introducing clause)
iki-nkumu (ibi-) thumb print,
clay in it
now
nta ho (adv.) never
nta ho never
nta muntu no person, nobody
nta ngorane no problem
nōne (adv.) now, now then
noneho (conj.) then, so
nta n'umwe nobody, no one
nta umwanya no time, there is no
noneho tugende then let's go!
time
ku-nonera (-ye) to skip along
nta wundi no other
ntabwo (adv.) never, not, will not,
fingerprint
i-noni (i-) finger snap
no (conj.) and (between infinitives
umu-noni (imi-) grass bracelet
or preceding mu or ku)
kurima no gusatura biraruhisha
Hoeing and splitting wood is tiring
iki-nonko (ibi-) lump (as in food)
iki-nōno (ibi-) hoof
ntamwanya no time, there is no
i-no (ama-) toe
ku-nōnōka (-tse) 1. to be healthy,
time
have vitality, 2. to be supple, strong
(as rope), 3. to be flexible, 4. to be
comfortable, 5. to have virility, to
be manly, to be homosexual (gay)
ntanakimwe (adj.) nothing
ku-noba (-vye) to peck, pick up
ku-nobagura (-ye) to pick up (esp.
as birds do)
64
won't
ntaco 1. I don't mind, 2. never
mind, 3. no problem
ntanumwe nobody, no one
ahā-ntu (no pl.) place
aka-ntu (utu-) little thing (from
ikintu)
iki-ntu (ibi-) 1. thing, item, 2.
something
ubu-ntu 1. grace, generosity, 2.
free (yampaye ku buntu)
ukū-ntu how (not in question)
umu-ntu (aba-) person, human
being
uku-nunuza absorption
ku-nura (-ze) to be fat (of meat)
ku-nūranura (-ye) to pick up bits
of food here and there (esp. dog)
iki-nure (ibi-) fat meat (usually
used in pl.)
umu-nyafirika (aba-) African
person
ku-nyaga (-ze) 1. to take away
from, to take by force, 2. to steal, 3.
to pillage
i-nusu (ama-) half (Sw.)
umu-nyagahwāyi (aba-) 1.
deceitful person, 2. flatterer, 3.
braggart
ku-nūtsa (-kije) to fight and defeat
umu-nyagikūndiro (aba-) person
completely
umu-ntu ahishirigwa (aba)
overseer, supervisor, superintendent aka-nwa (utu-) mouth
worthy of praise or love
ku-nyāgira (-ye) to drench, wet
(rain)
iki-ntu kanaka (ibi) a certain thing
ama-nwa big mouth, many mouths
umu-ntu kanaka (aba) 1. a certain
umu-nwa (imi-) lip
rain
person, 2. someone, somebody
tega imi-nwe hold out your hands
umu-nyagisagara (aba-) city
umu-ntu w'inkuba (aba) skillful
umu-nwe (imi-) hand (esp. palm)
person
ku-nwengurana (-nye) to talk
ntūze so-and-so, what's-his-name
together in whispers
Ntwarante March
nya (invariable demonstrative) that
iki-nūbwe (no pl.) hard feelings,
ku-nya (-neye) to defecate, to do a
grudgingly
pooh, to excrete, to have a bowel
movement
nubwo despite, in spite of,
notwithstanding, regardless of,
although
umu-nya (imi-) wrinkle (as in
ku-nūka (-tse) to smell bad, stink
nyabugoro little house built for
uru-nūka (i-) any horrid, hateful
spirit of one who has died
thing
aka-nyabugoro (utu-) metal
ku-nūkiriza (-je) to cause to smell
bracelet
bad odor
nyabuhoro traditional sacred
n'ūko (conj.) therefore, so, it is
"dispenser of peace" drum
thus, that's right, then
nyabuna (an exclamation of
affirmation)
nuko (conj.) therefore, so, it is
thus, that's right, then
face), excessive thinness
ku-nyāgirwa (-we) to get wet in the
dweller
ku-nyāgiza (-je) to cause to get
wet, expose to rain
imi-nyago 1. captive, 2. booty,
spoils, 3. pillage
uru-nyago (in-) 1. captive, 2.
booty, spoils, 3. pillage
iki-nyakabaka (ibi-) eagle, kite
(bird)
i-nyakamwe (i-) person living
alone, one by himself
Nyakanga September (or August)
umu-nyakazi (aba-) (Sw.)
umu-nyabutike (aba-) shopkeeper
i-numa (i-) dove, pigeon
iki-nyabuzima (ibi-) 1. living
ku-numa (-mye) to be quiet, silent,
being, living thing, 2. (pl.) biology
say nothing
umu-nyabwēnge (aba-) wise
umu-nūni (imi-) bird that sucks
person
honey (some black with red throat,
others metallic green)
umu-nyabwīra (aba-) industrious
ku-nunūra (-ye) to buy or sell
umu-nyabwōba (aba-) coward
ku-nūnuza (-je) to suck (esp. suck
juice out of fruit), to absorb (water)
iki-nyabwōya (ibi-) caterpillar
person
nyāco (adj.) good, nice
65
workman
umu-nyakisaka (aba-) member of
the Abanyakisaka lineage of
drummers
ku-nyakura (-ye) to grab quickly
nyakuri (adj.) 1. true, truthful, 2.
real, genuine, authentic, 3. actual
iki-nyakuri (ibi-) fact, reality
(usually used in pl.)
umu-nyakuri (aba-) thruthful
person
ama-nyama 1. cheekiness,
sassiness, 2. cantankerousness, 3.
pride, arrogance, 4. disobedience,
5. ambition
i-nyāma (i-) 1. meat, 2. flesh, 3.
muscle
i-nyāma y'akibitsi meat of leg
i-nyāma y'inka beef meat
i-nyāma z'ihene goat meat
ku-nyaragasa (-shije) to hurry
ku-nyaragura (-ye) to have
polyuria (from kunyara)
aka-nyarira jisho (utu-) tiny insect
in eye
ku-nyeguruka (-tse) to reappear,
come out of hiding
ku-nyegurura (-ye) to reveal,
disclose, bring from hiding
umu-nyekōmbe (aba-) member of
chief's council who listens to trials
umu-nyamahānga (aba-)
uru-nyariro (no pl.) backyard,
behind the backyard (where one
went to urinate, from kunyara)
foreigner, stranger
nyarucari (no pl.) poor man,
umu-nyembabazi (aba-) merciful
iki-nyāmbuga (ibi-) mat of split
poverty-stricken person
person
papyrus
ku-nyaruka (-tse) to hurry
--nyene (adv.) 1. only, 2. the very
one, 3. -self, (with pronoun prefix:
myself, yourself, himself, herself,
ourselves, yourselves, themselves)
4. exactly
Nyamagoma February
umu-nyamerika (aba-) American
(person)
umu-nyamibēmbe (aba-) leper
umu-nyamugamba (aba-) person
of a particular region of Burundi
ku-nyarutsa (-tse) to accelerate
Ki-nyarwanda Rwandan language
umu-nyekongo (Aba-) Congolese
person
Umu-nyarwanda (Aba-) Rwandan
person, Rwandese
nyene master, owner of
umu-nyarwāngara (aba-) careless
ku-nyengetēra (-ye) to make holes
aka-nyamunēza (no pl.) great joy
one
in
iki-nyamunya (ibi-) kind of banana
ibi-nyavu (no sing.) mineral matter
iki-nyamurobo (ibi-) tadpole
(inanimate things)
ku-nyengetērwa (-rewe) to have
holes in from insects, rust, etc.
nyamwero (ba-) albino
umu-nyavyāha (aba-) sinner
umu-nyenkomezi (aba-) strong
umu-nyamwuga (aba-) craftsman,
nyāwo (adj.) good, nice
artisan
nyāyo (adj.) 1. good, nice (impuzu
ku-nyananyana (-nye) to have
nyayo), 2. real
absolutely all one wants (no need of umu-nyazi (aba-) thief
any kind) and to be a bit showy
umu-nyebahasha (aba-) merchant
about it
ku-nyananyaya (-ye) to have
i-nyēgamo (i-) 1. chair with back,
absolutely all one wants, and to be
a bit showy about it
2. back of chair
umu-nyankīko (aba-) stranger,
several acoustic elements
foreigner, person from far away
(who lives near border)
ku-nyegera (-ye) to hide (vi),
i-nyānya (i-) tomato
ku-nyanyāga (-ze) to fall softly
(rain), to mist
person
uru-nyenyēri (i-) star
ku-nyerera (-ye) to be slippery, to
slip
uru-nyerere (i-) fine metal bracelet
ku-nyereza (-je) to cause to slip,
make slippery
umu-nyeshure (aba-) pupil,
iki-nyege (ibi-) gourd rattle with
penetrate into
student (Rw.)
umu-nyezamo (aba-) guard,
watchman (Sw.)
ku-nyiganyiga (-ze) to tremble
ubu-nyegeri tiny ants
(earth), shake
uru-nyegeri tiny ants
ku-nyiganyiza (-je) to cause to
tremble, to shake (vt)
ku-nyānyasa (-shije) to hurry
ku-nyegētera (-ye) to go through a
narrow pass, to creep along, to
sneak in
child)
umu-nyanyonzo (aba-) hunchback
ku-nyegeza (-je) to hide (vt),
iki-nyigishi (ibi-) gum
uru-nyanyaga (i-) light, fine rain
umu-nyapolitiki (aba-) politician
ku-nyara (-ye) to urinate, to pee, to
piss
conceal
ku-nyegezwa (-jwe) to be hidden,
concealed
66
ku-nyīgīra (-ye) to not grow (plant,
ku-nyika (-tse) 1. to slide
(landslide), 2. to pack down (vi), 3.
to come to an end, be completely
destroyed (while you are watching,
to suddenly disappear as you
watch)
umu-nyika (imi-) deep pool
ku-nyikiza (-je) to pack down (vt)
nyina (ba-) his, her, their mother
nyoko (ba-) your (sing. or pl.)
mother (sometimes with negative
implication, rude derogative)
nyōkobuja your mistress, employer
nyōkobukwe your mother-in-law
nyokorome (ba-) (your) maternal
ha-nyuma (conj.) afterward, later,
later on, and then
i-nyuma (adv.) 1. behind, 2.
outside, 3. at the back, 4. after
iki-nyungunyungu (ibi-) 1.
butterfly, 2. moth
(rude)
banyina their mothers (rude)
uncle
ndakwi-nyungushuye goodbye
nyinābo (ba-) his, her, their
nyokorume (ba-) (your) maternal
ku-nyūnyūka (-tse) to be withered,
maternal aunt
uncle
shriveled (of flesh)
ku-nyīngisha (-shije) to shake
nyōkuru (ba-) grandmother
down (as when measuring), to rub a
nyōkwanyu your maternal aunt
bump so it doesn't swell or hurt
ku-nyura (-ze) 1. to go back and
forth, 2. to come across, 3. to pass
between, 4. travel through a
country, 5. to undergo, go through
ku-nyinkira (-ye) to work or do
iki-nyoma (ibi-) lie
unwillingly, complainingly
iki-nyomoro (ibi-) tree tomato,
ku-nyuragiza (-je) to go from place
umu-nyinya (imi-) acacia, thorn
tamarillo, prune de Japon
to place
tree
ku-nyonyera (-ye) to mince along
ku-nyinyirwa (-riwe) to make face
or take little steps
ku-nyuramwo (-yemwo) to cut
wood in short bits
over something that tastes bad, to
frown
ibi-nyoro yaws
nyirababiri (ba-) mother of twins
(rarely used)
umu-nyororo (aba-) prisoner
umu-nyororo (imi-) 1. chain (by
extension, prison), 2. jail
nyiramwiza (ba-) beautiful woman,
i-nyōta (i-) thirst
beautiful girl, a beauty
in-nyo (in-) anus
ku-nyobanyoba (-vye) to go
iki-nyōta (ibi-) damp place (not
really swamp)
stealthily
umu-nyota (imi-) ashes
nyōbuja your mistress
ku-nyotera (-ye) to make thirsty
aka-nyōbwa (utu-) a drink
ku-nyoterwa (-we) to be thirsty
iki-nyōbwa (ibi-) drink, something
ubu-nyovu uncultivated land
to be drunk
ku-nyōbwa (-bwe) to be drunk
(passive)
ku-nyoganyoga (-ze) 1. to shake,
to wobble, to waddle, 2. to be
flexible
--nyu (adj.) your (pl.)
aku-nyu little salt (from umunyu)
umu-nyu (imi-) salt
umu-nyubarabara (aba-) roadman
iki-nyugunyugu (ibi-) 1. butterfly,
ku-nyurana (-nye) 1. to alternate,
to diverge 2. follow after, 3. be
opposite, 4. to cross on path
ku-nyurānura (-ye) to exchange
clothes or other articles for a time
ku-nyuranwa (-niwe) to miss each
other on path
ku-nyuranya (-nije) to interchange,
make opposite
ku-nyuruza (-je) to secretly help
someone to escape by taking his
things for him (e.g. one who plans
to leave steals bit by bit things to
take)
umu-nyushure (aba-) pupil,
student
uru-nyuzi (i-) (Sw.) thread
ku-nywa (-nyōye) to drink
uku-nywa absorption
nyogokuru (ba-) grandmother
2. moth
ku-nywa itabi to smoke (tobacco)
ku-nyogōmba (-mvye) 1. to drag
umu-nyuka (aba-) member of the
along, 2. to crawl, 3. to feel cast
down
iki-nywabūki (ibi-) sugar ant
Abanyuka lineage of drummers
ku-nyukura (-ye) to scrub clothes,
nyogosēnge (ba-) sister of your
father, your paternal aunt
ku-nywāguka (-tse) to fall and hurt
oneself, to be sore in one's muscles
to beat, to rub
--nyuma (adv.) last, final
ku-nyoha (-she) to choke (vt)
67
ku-nywako (-nyōyeko) to drink a
little, to taste a sip
umu-nywāmazi (imi-) rainbow
--okeje (adj.) grilled, roasted (from
ku-nywāna (-nye) to drink together
kwōtsa)
ibitoke vyokeje roasted bananas
kw-ōna (-nnye) 1. to eat garden
plants, 2. destroy garden (of goats,
etc.)
umu-nywanyi (aba-) member
kw-ōkereza (-je) to cause to roast
kw-ōnda (-nze) to get thin
ku-nywēra (-reye) to drink at, in,
for
for
kw-ōkēsha (-sheje) to roast with,
umu-nywera (aba-) person who
help to roast
gets thin gradually, person sick
with wasting away disease
ubw-ōko (am-) 1. race, 2. nation, 3.
ku-nywēsha (-sheje) to drink from,
kw-ōndera (-ye) 1. to be hungry
for, 2. have need of
kw-ōndēsha (-sheje) to make thin
tribe, 4. kind, species, breed
kw-ōkōka (-tse) 1. to be left alive
kw-ōndēshwa (-shejwe) to be
made thin by
after a plague, 2. to survive, 3. to
regain health or possessions
ivy-ōndo mud
kw-ōkōra (-reye) to give back calf
to one from whom one received a
cow
iny-ōndwe (iny-) tick (insect)
--nzīnya (adj.) tiny, minute (used
kw-ōkōra (-ye) to remove from fire
only with th class)
or oven
kw-ōnesha (-sheje) to allow or
cause goat to destroy garden
cause to drink
umu-nywi (aba-) drinker
umu-nzāne (imi-) scales, balance
Nzero January, name of moon
kw-ōkōrera (-ye) to take from fire
for
O
bitēye ubw-ōba horrible
kw-ōkōza (-je) 1. to cause to take
from fire, 2. ask cow from one who
has received one
ubw-ōba (no pl.) 1. fear, phobia,
angst, 2. cowardice, 3. horror
ivy-okurya meal, food, dish
urw-ōndo mud
iny-ōndwi (iny-) tick (insect)
iny-ōnga (iny-) presence of great
person, at his feet
umw-ōnga (imy-) valley
iny-ongera additional,
supplementary, extra
kw-ongera (-ye) 1. to repeat, do
again, 2. to give more, 3. to
augment, to increase (vt), 4. to
accelerate
ic-ōbo (ivy-) 1. hole in ground, 2.
kw-ōma (-mye) 1. to adhere to, 2.
grave
to follow closely
umw-ōbo (imy-) hole (esp. small
kw-ōmānza (-nje) 1. to split up, cut
lengthwise, 2. to play on instrument kw-ongera umushahara to
increase the salary
vigorously
one like rat hole)
inz-ōga (inz-) beer
ic-ōmba (ivy-) big boat, ship
kw-ongeranya (-nije) to break or
kw-ōga (-ze) 1. to swim, go in
water, 2. to wash oneself, 3. to
shower, to bath
secretly because of fear
ic-ongereza English language
kw-ōgera (-ye) to swim at, for
ic-ōmbo (ivy-) cooking utensil
Ubw-ongereza England
ubw-ogero bathroom
kw-ōgēsha (-sheje) to wash with,
help to wash
ic-ōgo (ivy-) large deep place of
water, stream
umw-ōgo (imy-) long tie worn at
shoulder at certain dances
kw-ōmba (-mvye) to act or go
kw-ōmboka (-tse) to walk
umw-ongereza (ab-) English
stealthily
person
kw-ōmeka (-tse) 1. to stick or sew
together, 2. to apply on
more
kw-ongerwa (-we) to be given
to impute to
kw-ongeza (-je) 1. to give, 2. to
demand more
ic-ōmore (ivy-) tree of which bark
kw-ōngorera (-ye) to whisper
kw-ōmekera (-reye) 1. to apply, 2.
is used
kw-ōngorerana (-nye) to whisper
kw-ōgorora (-ye) 1. to cross a river
(by bridge), 2. to come out of water
kill completely
iny-ōmvyi (iny-) African robin
(bird)
to each other
ivy-ōngoreranyo whispers, gossip
(what's said in whispers)
inz-ōka (inz-) snake, worm
68
ivy-ōngoshwe whispers (sound of)
utw-ōngoshwe whispers (sound
of)
iny-oni (iny-) bird (small one)
kw-ōroherwa (-we) 1. to get relief
oya no
from pain, 2. to improve (physically (emphatic) oyāye
or otherwise)
iry-ōya (am-) feather
kw-ōrokēra (-reye) to put skin of
ubw-ōya (no pl.) 1. body hair (not
dead calf before cow to make her
on human head), 2. fur
give milk
kw-ōnjorora (-ye) 1. to leave
abruptly, 2. stop talking abruptly
kw-ōrokereza (-je) 1. to get
though others continue, 3. to drop
medicine to make cow like her calf,
out of something because you know 2. to stand up for someone you trust
you're in the wrong
ubw-orozi (no pl.) livestock
kw-ōnka (-nse) to nurse (vi)
farming, animal husbandry
iny-ōnko (iny-) 1. fever, 2. malaria
kw-ōsa (-sheje) to put on, or to
ubw-ōnko (no pl.) brains
burn nice-smelling stuff
kw-ōnōna (-nnye) to destroy,
--ōse (adv.) 1. all, every, each, 2.
uruy-ōya (inz-) infant, baby (up to
3 months)
urw-ōya (am-) a hair
oyāye no! absolutely not
--ōye 1. don't (strong negative), 2.
lest, (verb without infinitive)
n-ōye gutīnya don't be afraid
whole, entire, entirely
bōse, gōse, etc.
kw-ōza (-geje) to wash (not body),
to clean (vt)
kw-ōzwa (-gejwe) to be washed
kw-ōnōnera (-ye) to damage at, for
rw-ōse (adv.) 1. absolutely, 2.
completely, entirely, 3. very much
(from -ōse)
kw-ōnōnēsha (-sheje) to damage
am-ōsha temptations
damage, spoil
kw-ōnōnekara (-ye) to be spoiled,
to deteriorate
with, help to damage
P
iny-ōsha (iny-) temptation
m-pa give me... (imperative of
kw-ōsha (-heje) 1. to lead, 2. to
urge, 3. to influence, 4. to tempt
guha)
iny-ōshwa (iny-) leading,
brewing beer
persuasion
umu-padiri (aba-) priest (catholic)
am-ōsozi tears
ubu-pagani (no pl.) heathenism
to breastfeed
iny-ōta (iny-) thirst
umu-pagani (aba-) heathen, pagan
kw-ōnswa (-nkejwe) to be put to
kw-ōta (-se) to warm oneself by
igi-pahu (ibi-) shovel
breast, to be nursed, to be breastfed
fire
iny-ōnzo (iny-) hunch on back,
lump, hunchback
ic-ōtero (ivy-) altar, fire built for
cows
kw-ōrekēra (-reye) 1. to try to
kw-ōtesha (-sheje) to invite to or
allow to warm oneself
kw-ōnōnwa (-nwe) to be damaged
ubw-ōnōnyi (no pl.) destruction,
damage
umw-ōnōnyi (ab-) spoiler,
someone destroying things
kw-ōnsa (-nkeje) to nurse a baby,
make someone like what he has
refused, 2. to entice, 3. to seduce
kw-ōrekērwa
(-rewe) to be
enticed, to be seduced
im-paka (im-) 1. discussion,
dispute, 2. questioning
kubigira ku mpaka to do it on
purpose
umu-paka (imi-) border, boundary
kw-ōteshwa (-shejwe) to be invited i-paki (ama-) pack (of goods at
to warm oneself
market etc.)
kw-ōtsa (-keje) 1. to roast in coals,
ubw-ōro (no pl.) poverty
to grill, broil, 2. to bake
umw-ōro (ab-) poor person
kw-ōtsako (-kejeko) to roast a little
kw-ōroha (-she) 1. to be easy, to be
simple, 2. to be soft, 3. to be light
(in weight)
igi-paca (ibi-) a kind of banana for
gu-pakira (-ye) to load, to pack
im-pāmba (im-) food for a journey
of
im-pamo (im-) 1. truth, 2. reality
umw-ōtsi (imy-) smoke
i-pāmpa (i-) cotton
umw-ōtso (imy-) awl (instrument
used
for branding)
kw-ōrohereza (-je) 1. to fertilize, 2.
soften up soil
69
im-pāmvu (im-) 1. reason, 2. cause
niyo m-pamvu because of that
igi-pānde (ibi-) (Sw.) card, ticket
igi-pawa (ibi-) spade, shovel
gu-pānga (-nze) (Sw.) 1. to
pē (adv.) absolutely! extremely!
think of that!
prepare, 2. to wipe off, 3. to pitch
(tent), 4. to spread out, 5. to set (the
table)
umu-pānga (imi-) (Sw.) machete,
grass knife, long bread knife
gu-pānga ameza to set the table
im-pānge (im-) cooking pot
igi-pangu (ibi-) 1. compound, 2.
wall or fence around compound
gu-pāngūra (-ye) (Sw.) to clear off
umu-pede (aba-) homosexual
pfampfe most intimate friend, (lit.
”you die - I die”, from gupfa)
gu-pfāna (-nye) 1. to die with, 2. to
be a relative, 3. to lay blame on
person, gay (rude, derogative)
gu-pfāpfāna (-nye) to deteriorate
im-pehemyi (im-) place around
trees where nothing else grows
ubu-pfāsoni (no pl.) nobility
im-peke (im-) grain
im-pēmbo (im-) 1. pay, salary,
wage, 2. tip, 3. reward
im-pene (im-) goat
umu-pfāsoni (aba-) 1. lady, noble
woman, woman of high rank, 2.
woman of noble character, 3.
married woman (polite), (from isoni
= timidity)
gu-pfīnda (-nze) 1. to cast lots, 2.
to ask riddles
(as table, etc.), to take down (tent)
i-pera (ama-) guave
gu-pāngūsha (-shije) (Sw.) to dust
im-pera (im-) end
off
im-pēra (im-) reward
im-pāno (im-) gift (nothing
i-peremi permit, licence
drowing lots)
im-perēra (im-) last one of
gu-pfīndūra (-ye) 1. to guess, 2. to
divine, 3. to solve riddle
expected in return)
i-pansiyo (i-) pension
anything
i-pantaro (ama-) trouser (also
ipantalo, Fr.)
perezida (aba-) president
i-panu (ama-) frying pan
umu-perezida (aba-) president
im-perēzwa (im-) offering,
i-papāyi (i-) papaya
sacrifice
igi-papuro (ibi-) large sheet of
im-peruka (im-) end, last
paper
uru-papuro (im-) paper, page,
im-pēshi (im-) 1. beginning of dry
gu-pfīndana (-nye) to draw lots,
divide by lot, to ask a riddle
ubu-pfīndo (no pl.) lot (as in
gu-pfīra (-riye) to die for, at, in the
place of
im-pfīro (im-) death, point of death
gu-pfīsha (-shije) to lose (by
death), cause to die
im-pfīzi (im-) male animal (esp.
goat)
sheet of paper
season (about June), 2. spring,
early summer
igi-pfu (ibi-) foolish person
im-parage (im-) zebra
igi-pesi (ibi-) button on clothing
ubu-pfu (no pl.) 1. folly, 2.
im-pāri (im-) 1. argument, 2.
im-peta (im-) ring
discussion
kuja im-pāri to argue
im-pete (im-) partition of reeds
ignorance
umu-pfu (aba-) dead person
umu-pfu (imi-) fresh corpse
ama-pfa famine
i-pāsi (ama-) (Sw.) iron (for ironing
gu-pfa (-pfūye) 1. to die, 2. to do
clothes)
anyhow, 3. to be in disagreement
Pasika Easter
i-pfa (no pl.) greed
umu-pasitori (aba-) pastor
ugu-pfa disagreement, conflict
i-paswari sieve
im-pfāgusa (no pl.) worthlessness
i-pata (ama-) hinge
gu-pfākara (-ye) to lose one's
im-patane (im-) 1. stocks (for
husband or wife by death
prisoner), 2. trees grown very close
umu-pfākazi (aba-) widow
together, 3. teeth very close
together
igi-pfāmatwi (ibi-) deaf person
uru-pfu (im-) death
gu-pfūha (-she) 1. to be dull
(instrument), 2. to be angry, 3. to
breathe heavily (cow)
gu-pfūhagira (-ye) to snuff, snort,
snort with anger (esp. of bull)
i-pfūhe (no pl.) anger (rarely used)
gu-pfuka (-tse) 1. to be cool, to be
shady, to be fresh, 2. to wrap up, 3.
to cover
gu-pfukama (-mye) to kneel
70
gu-pfukamika (-tse) to invite to
i-pfūndo (ama-) 1. knot, 2. outer
kneel
garment
gu-pfuvya (-bije) to put something
cool on a burn
gu-pfukamikwa (-tswe) to be asked
gu-pfunduka (-tse) to open,
become untied
gu-pfyina (-nye) to tease, act
foolish (in fun)
gu-pfūnduka (-tse) to go up in
smoke
i-pikipiki (ama-) motorcycle,
motorbike
gu-pfunduruka (-tse) to come
i-pilipili (i-) (Sw.) pepper
to kneel
gu-pfukamira (-ye) to kneel before
gu-pfukamīsha (-shije) to ask to
kneel
aga-pfukarutoke (udu-) thimble
gu-pfukīsha (-shije) to cover with
umu-pfuko (imi-) 1. pocket, 2.
sack, 3. bag, 4. purse (also
umufuko)
gu-pfukūra (-ye) to uncover
gu-pfukwa (-tswe) to be covered
gu-pfuma (-mye) to prefer (as the
lesser of two evils), would rather
umu-pfumu (aba-) witch doctor
gu-pfunagira (-ye) to sob silently
gu-pfūnda (-nze) to cover mouth
of another with hand to keep him
from making a sound
uncovered
gu-pima (-nye) (Sw.) 1. to measure,
gu-pfundurura (-ye) to loosen,
open, untie
gu-pfunereza (-je) to cause to eat a
lot, to blow up (vt), or fill up (vt)
gu-pfungānya (-nye) to be narrow
im-pīngūro (im-) answers (as on
uru-pfunguruzo (im-) 1. key
an exam), redoing an unsatisfactory
job
(Sw.), 2. bottle opener
uru-pfungūzo (im-) (Sw.) key
umu-pfuniko (imi-) cover of a
kettle
igi-pfūnsi (ibi-) fist
fold
gu-pfundika (-tse) 1. to weave, 2.
ubu-pfunya (no pl.) failure to grow
to knot
properly
gu-pfundikanya (-nije) to tie
gu-pfunya ijambo to be concise
gu-pfundikirwa (-we) to be
covered
gu-pfundikīsha (-shije) to cause to
tie, tie with
gu-pfundikiza (-je) to cover with,
cause to cover
igi-pfundikizo (ibi-) 1. cover, lid,
2. stopper
umu-pfundikizo (imi-) cover, lid,
stopper
gu-pfundikwa (-tswe) to be tied,
im-pīnga (im-) top of mountain or
igi-pfūngu (ibi-) fog, mist
flowing of water, blood, etc.
dish, etc.)
i-pine (ama-) tire (Fr. pneu)
hill
gu-pfunya (-nye) to bend joint,
gu-pfundikira (-ye) to cover (as
igi-pimo (ibi-) (Sw.) measure
igi-pfūngo (ibi-) (Sw.) button
umu-pfūnda (imi-) wave, rapid
together
2. to examine, to assess, 3. to
weigh, 4. to rate, to evaluate
gu-pfunyirana (-nye) to be folded,
wrinkled
im-pingwe (im-) bumblebee
i-pinjama (ama-) pajamas
umu-pira (imi-) (Sw.) 1. ball, 2.
sweater, pullover, 3. eraser, rubber
umu-pira wa basket (imi-)
basketball
umu-pira wa volley (imi-)
volleyball
umu-pira w'amaboko (imi-) 1.
basketball, 2. volleyball
umu-pira w'amaguru (imi-)
football, soccer
gu-pfunyiranya (-nije) to wrinkle
(vt)
umu-pfunyu (imi-) wrinkle (as in
i-pirimu (ama-) pen
i-piripiri (i-) (Sw.) pepper
cloth), fold
i-pirire pill
gu-pfunyuka (-tse) to become
im-pisho (no pl.) secretly, in hiding
unwrinkled
uru-piya (im-) coin
gu-pfunyura (-ye) to unfold, press,
smooth
gu-pfunywa (-nywe) to be
wrinkled
m-pole 1. sorry! 2. watch out!
(from Sw. pole)
umu-polisi (aba-) police, police
officer
gu-pfūsha (-shije) to lose one's
child (by death)
woven
politiki politics (also poritiki)
pome apple
71
im-pongano (im-) 1. bribe, 2. one
who takes place of guilty man
im-pōngo (im-) deer, antelope
im-ponnyi (im-) last one of family
who has no children – thus no heir
gu-poperaniriza (-je) to unite in
gu-poperanya (-nije) to unite (to
ubu-ra (ama-) 1. of same blood, 2.
intestines (used in pl.)
ku-raba (-vye) 1. to dye, color,
paint, 2. to faint, wilt
ku-rāba (-vye) 1. to look at, 2. to
examine, to monitor, 3. to visit
uku-raba 1. blackout, 2. fainting fit
ku-rāba igitsure 1. to frown at, 2.
put things of different types
together)
to look at another in disapproval
im-pore (im-) peace
ku-rabagirana (-nye) to flash (as
umu-porisi (aba-) police, police
lightning)
officer
ku-rabagiza (-je) to illuminate
i-poshoro (ama-) (Sw.) shovel
i-rabagu (ama-) spot, stain
i-posita (i-) post office
iki-rabagu (ibi-) spot, stain
i-posta (i-) post office
ku-rabana (-nye) to put color on
umu-profeseri (aba-) professor,
teacher
umu-protestanti (aba-) Protestant
ku-rabūka (-tse) 1. to regain
consciousness, 2. to revive after
being wilted, (vi) fainted
ku-rabukirwa (-we) to be cooked,
to be scorched
ku-rabukwa (-tswe) to see with
comprehension, to behold, to notice
ku-rabura (-ye) to help regain
consciousness, to revive (vt)
ku-rabwa (-bwe) to be colored,
marked
ku-rābwa (-bwe) to be looked at,
have visitors
i-radiyo (i-) radio (plural also
amaradiyo)
each other
ku-raga (-ze) to leave as
inheritance
ku-rābana (-nye) to look at each
iki-ragamo (ibi-) dwelling place,
other
housing
ku-rābarāba (-vye) to look at one
ubu-ragamo (no pl.) dwelling
i-puderi (ama-) powder
thing after another (many things)
place
im-pūha (im-) news
ku-ragana (-nye) 1. to take
marriage
vows, promise each other,
to faint, 2. to be colored, 3. to strike
2.
to
commit
oneself
down and almost kill (either person
or tree)
ku-raganira (-ye) to promise
im-puhwe (im-) mercy (actually
the fear to hurt another because
you love or pity him)
im-pumyi (im-) blind person
im-pūndu (im-) 1. cry of joy, cry of
acclamation, 2. chimpanzee
ku-rabika (-tse) 1. to wilt, to cause
ku-rābika (-tse) to be good to look
at
ubu-rage (no pl.) inheritance,
legacy
uku-rabikwa wilting, fainting
(from kurabika)
umu-rage (no pl.) inheritance,
legacy
im-pungenge (im-) lack of
equilibrium, vertigo
ku-rabira (-ye) to color at, for
i-ragi (ama-) 1. promise, 2. heritage
im-pūngu (im-) eagle
ku-rābira (-ye) 1. to moo, to baa, 2.
to look at, for, by
iki-ragi (ibi-) 1. deaf and dumb
person (esp. dumb), 2. mute person
ku-rābirana (-nye) to look at
something together
ubu-ragi (no pl.) dumbness (of
ku-rabiriza (-je) to flash (as
lightning)
ku-ragira (-ye) to pasture (vt), to
watch flock, to shepherd
ku-rabīsha (-shije) to cause, help
ku-ragirana (-nye) to pasture
im-pururu (im-) 1. loop of rope, 2.
lasso, 3. slip knot
i-purusa interest (econom., from
kuruta)
im-pūzu (im-) clothing
speech)
im-pwēmu (im-) breath, spirit, air
to look, to look at with
together
M-pwēmu Mweranda Holy Spirit
ku-rabuka (-tse) 1. to be cooked
after stirring up the fire a second
time, 2. to perceive, to understand,
3. to come when called, to flash by
(flock)
R
72
ku-ragirwa (-we) to be watched
ku-ragiza (-je) to entrust flock to
another to pasture, to help pasture
iki-rago (ibi-) mat (kind used for
sleeping)
umu-rago (imi-) swamp
ku-rakira (-ye) to be angry at,
because of
ku-ramīsha (-shije) to make things
(esp. pots) strong
ku-rakirana (-nye) to be angry at
ku-ramiza (-je) to pour milk down
another's throat
each other
ku-ragura (-ye) 1. to divine, 2.
bewitch, 3. seek to know doer of
evil (as witch doctor does), 4. to be
a mind reader
ku-rakirwa (-we) to be subjected to
another's anger
umu-ramu (imi-) mark of a blow,
ku-rakīsha (-shije) to cause to be
ku-ragurira (-ye) to divine at, for
angry
ku-ramuka (-tse) 1. to be, to start
the day
aramutse agenda and then he
went
2. to be skinned by a blow
ku-raguza (-je) to have witch
ku-rama (-mye) to be strong,
doctor bewitch another, to have
durable, long-lived (things, not
witch doctor to divine, find who did people)
evil
ku-ramagiza (-je) to give too much
umu-raguzi (aba-) one who
to swallow at a time
bewitches or divines
ku-ramagura (-ye) to beat (raising
welts)
ku-ragwa (-zwe) to inherit
welt
ku-ramukana (-nye) to get up in
such and such a condition
ku-ramukānya (-nije) 1. to greet
one another, to exchange greetings,
2. to visit
umu-ragwa (aba-) heir
aka-ramata (no pl.) 1. sticking
ku-raha (-she) to grab, to do
together, 2. strong ever-lasting
love, 3. forever
greet authorities
iki-ramata (ibi-) burr (of bush)
turn
ku-ramata (-se) to seige, attach
ku-ramukwa (-tswe) to come to
day to give birth
quickly and carelessly
umu-raha pineapple spirit
ku-rahana (-nye) to grab each
other
ku-rahīra (-ye) to vow, swear, take
oath
oneself to
ku-rāmba (-mvye) 1. to live long,
to last long, 2. to be old
iki-rahure (ibi-) (Sw.) glass
ku-rambarara (-ye) to stretch
oneself out on ground
iki-rahuri (ibi-) (Sw.) glass
umu-rambararo (imi-) length,
ku-rahurura (-ye) to go back on
anything in prone position
oath
ku-rambika (-tse) to lay on the
ku-rahuruza (-je) 1. to make one
ground (vt)
tell the truth, 2. to make one go
back on what he said
ku-rambikakw ibiganza to lay
hands on, to dedicate
ku-ramukira (-ye) to get up, for, to
ku-ramukirwa (-we) to have one's
ku-ramura (-ye) 1. to swell up in
welts (when beaten or burned), 2.
to strike another and peel the skin
off, 3. to put temper in metal, 4. to
wean
ku-ramutsa (-kije) 1. to greet
(oneself, not sent by another), 2. to
greet in letter, 3. to visit, 4. to stand
at door and cough or call
'muraduha'
mwa-ramutse good morning (from
kuramuka)
iki-raka (ibi-) a job, small
contracted work
ku-rambira (-ye) to weary by a
long speech or delay
ku-raka (-tse) to be angry, to get
angry, annoyed
ku-rambirwa (-we) 1. to be wearied
by long speech or delay, 2. to
mu-ramuwe (ba-) brother-in-law
become impatient, 3. to be bored
(his, her)
murumwanje my brother-in-law
imi-rāmbizo (no sing.) foot of the
bed
iki-ramvu (ibi-) thing spread out
flat, bow without cord
ku-ramira (-ye) to catch one who
starts to fall, to grab
ku-rāmvura (-ye) to stretch out
arm, to continue one's journey
ku-ramiriza (-je) to persist, work
hard at, to go steadily forward
aka-randa (no pl.) person who is
great, severe, wise
ku-rakara (-ye) to be upset, to be
angry
ubu-rakari (no pl.) anger
i-rake (i-) one hundred thousand
ubu-rake (no pl.) anger
i-raki (i-) one hundred thousand
73
ku-ramutswa (-kijwe) to be
greeted, to be visited
aka-rānda (no pl.) smallpox
ku-rānda (-nze) to creep (as vine)
ku-randagura (-ye) to resist or
fight, to eat, bite (as animal, pain),
to weed out grass quickly
igihwēba, igishegu one dedicated
to service of ~
kuvōvōta to give oneself to ~
kubāndwa to dance in honor of
kubāndwa to be devoted to his
service
guterekēra to worship ~
ku-randagurana (-nye) 1. to talk
ku-rangīrwa (-we) to be shown the
way, be informed
ku-rangiza (-je) 1. to finish (vt), 2.
to graduate
i-rāngo (ama-) 1. path, road, street,
2. whistle
unkindly to each other, 2. to quarrel ku-rānga (-nze) 1. to indicate, 2. to
inform, make known, announce, 3.
ku-randamuka (-tse) 1. to speak
to tell, say
thoughtlessly, loudly, 2. to walk in
ku-rangaguza (-je) to look at
one's sleep, to start up in one's
hastily
sleep, 3. to come all together at call
of trouble
ku-rāngamira (-ye) to look up
accomplished, be understood
iki-randamuke (ibi-) one who
always disagrees in an 'inama', who
says things he shouldn't when with
others
ku-rangūrira (-ye) to explain to, for
head, look up
ku-randamukira (-ye) to speak
aka-rāngamuntu identity card, ID
loudly to
umu-rāndarānda (imi-) vine of a
iki-rāngamisi (ibi-) calendar
ku-rangamiza (-je) to raise the
ku-rāngāra (-ye) to be empty, be
certain sort
wide open, to get left behind as you
stare at something
ku-randuka (-tse) 1. to die, perish,
2. to become uprooted
ku-rāngārira (-ye) to be distracted
by, marvel over
ku-randuka umutima to be
ku-rāngāza (-je) to leave open
startled, dismayed
ku-randura (-ye) to pull out by the
roots
uku-randura uprooting
i-rāngi (ama-) color, ink, paint
ku-rangira (-ye) to be finished, to
be exhausted, to finish (vi)
ku-rangīra (-ye) 1. to inform, give
umu-rāngo (imi-) daytime
ku-rangūka (-tse) to be
ku-rangura (-ye) to buy a lot
ku-rangūra (-ye) to explain fully
till all understand
ku-rangurura (-ye) to speak loudly,
to raise the voice
umu-ranguzi (aba-) buyer, shopper
ku-rāngwa (-nzwe) 1. to be
published, 2. to be admirable
umu-rānzi (aba-) one who tells
others of good things, tells them
where to go to find something good
umu-rānzi (imi-) dried meat
ku-rara (-ze) to split, crack (vi)
ku-rāra (-ye) 1. to spend the night,
to pass the night, 2. to lodge
for, because of
information, 2. to show the way, to
lead
ku-raraguza (-je) 1. to look all
about, 2. to be saucy
ku-randurwa (-we) to be pulled out
iki-rangiranwa (no pl.) well known
ku-rarama (-mye) 1. to look
person or thing
straight up, to raise eyes, 2. tip head
back
ku-randurira (-ye) to pull out at,
ku-randuza (-je) to help pull out,
pull out with
umu-randuzi (aba-) destroyer
aka-rānga (no pl.) 1. culture, norm,
2. appearance
iki-rānga (ibi-) (pl.) characteristics,
feature, attribute, trait
Ki-ranga (high priest of the
Burundian traditional supreme
god, mediator between the
traditional god and man, today
associated by Christians with the
devil)
ubuzimuzimu fetishes
ku-rangiranwa (-niwe) to be well
known
uru-rangiranwa (no pl.) well
known person or thing
iki-rangiranwe (ibi-) 1. something
ku-raramanga (-nze) 1. to go
strolling about when one should be
working, 2. to be dissipated
aka-raramango (no pl.) idleness
well known, 2. person well known
ku-raramika (-tse) to raise the head
uru-rangiranwe (in-) 1. something
ku-raramira (-ye) to look up for
well known, 2. person well known
ku-rangirīsha (-shije) to show the
way by means of
i-rangiro address
74
ku-raramuka (-tse) to lift up the
head
ku-raramura (-ye) to look up
iki-rarashamba (ibi-) one that likes
ku-rasira (-ye) to shoot at, for, to
to go by himself rather than with
others
shine on
ku-rārāta (-se) to hurry along (as
cows to better pasture, or child
stumbling after something he
wants), to be unstable, to go from
one thing to another
ibi-rare 1. effect of sleeping badly,
2. 'morning after' headache
i-rasiyo ration (from Fr.)
ama-raso (no sing.) blood
ku-raswa (-shwe) to be pierced by
an arrow
iki-rāto (ibi-) shoe
ibirato vyo munzu slippers
ku-ratsa (-kije) 1. to cause to be
ku-rēgera (-ye) to accuse of,
before, because of
ku-rēgēsha (-sheje) to cause to
accuse
ku-regeteranya (-nije) to gossip, to
tattle-tale
ku-regetereza (-je) 1. to talk a lot,
2. to gossip
ku-regeteza (-je) to talk a lot, to
gossip
ibi-rāre an overdue payment or tax
angry, 2. to irritate
iki-rare (ibi-) forsaken field
ku-ratswa (-kijwe) to be made
ku-rārika (-tse) to hire workers, to
angry by
line up workers
ku-ravya (-bije) to flash (lightning)
exhonerate
ku-rārikwa (-tswe) to be hired,
umu-ravyo (imi-) lightning
ku-rēgwa (-zwe) to be accused
Bu-raya Europe (Sw. Ulaya)
lined up
iki-rēgo (ibi-) 1. accusation, 2.
complaint
ku-regūra (-ye) to excuse, acquit,
watchman)
iki-raya (ibi-) white potato
ku-rēha (-she) to be of equal length
or height
ku-rārīra (-ye) to spend the night at
Ubu-raya Europe (Sw. Ulaya)
ku-rehereza (-je) to act as go-
i-rarīrari (no pl.) without pity,
ubu-rāya prostitution (from Sw.)
ku-rārīra (-riye) to watch (as night
without regarding
umu-rāririzi (aba-) night watchman
ku-rārīrwa (-we) to keep someone
for the night
i-rāro (ama-) 1. dormitory, 2.
accommodation, 3. shelter for cows
iki-raro (ibi-) bridge
iki-rāyi (ibi-) brownish black cow
umu-rāyi (imi-) chaff, pollen
ku-rāzirana (-nye) to talk in one's
leave, stop
sleep
ku-rāzwa (-jwe) to be kept for the
ku-rārūra (-ye) to lift up from
--rē-re (adj.) 1. tall, 2. high, 3. deep
ground, to raise higher, to take
(cows) up hill
(murēmure, etc.)
ama-rēba (no sing.) magic,
miraculous things (not by God's
power)
ku-rasa (-she) 1. to shoot (arrow),
2. to make a curve, 3. to rise (of
sun)
umu-reberebe (imi-) leech
ubu-rēbure (no pl.) height, length,
depth (dimension and time)
ku-rekura (-ye) 1. to release, to
allow to go, 3. to send back
each other
ku-rekurira (-ye) to release, to
pardon
ku-rekuriranira (-ye) to pardon
each other
ku-rekurirwa (-we) to be pardoned,
to be forgiven
ku-rekurwa (-we) to be released,
ku-rēga (-ze) to accuse
pardoned
ku-rēgana (-nye) to accuse each
ku-rekwa (-tswe) to be left
other
iki-rema (ibi-) person born crippled
other
ku-regarega (-ze) 1. to be weak
ibi-rashi (no sing.) stuff in eyes
and floppy, 2. to work carelessly
wanting to quit, 3. to work lazily
when one wakes up, 'sand'
ku-rekēsha (-sheje) to cause to
ku-rekurana (-nye) to let go of
imi-rarwe (no sing.) 1. sassiness, 2.
impoliteness
ku-rasana (-nye) to shoot at each
ku-reka (-tse) 1. to let, allow,
permit, 2. to end, stop, cancel
ku-rekera (-ye) to leave at, for
night
incision, 3. scar (from cuts made in
treating sick person)
ku-rehēsha (-sheje) to make equal
ku-rāza (-je) to keep for the night,
to keep overnight, give lodging
ubu-raruko north
uru-rāsago 1. vaccination, 2.
between for
75
ku-rema (-mye) 1. to create, make,
2. to lie, deceive, 3. to be brave,
quiet, confident, strong
ama-remano (no pl.) deceit
ku-remara (-ye) 1. to be crooked
(e.g. broken bone which has healed
wrongly), 2. to be paralyzed
ku-rēmba (-vye) 1. to be smooth,
silky soft, 2. to put forth new
leaves, 3. to be fresh, attractive
(person), 4. to get well after serious
illness
ama-rembe 1. peace, 2. tranquility
(greeting: n'amarembe)
n'ama-rembe it is peace! it's all
well! (as answer to question
n'amahoro)
ku-remēsha (-sheje) 1. to
encourage, to strengthen, 2. to
create with
ku-remēshwa (-shejwe) to be
encouraged, strengthened
i-remezo (no pl.) 1. leader, one to
be imitated, 2. beginning,
foundation, 3. principle
iki-remo (ibi-) patch
ku-remura (-ye) to patch, to repair,
to mend
uku-remura patching, mending,
repairing
i-rengarenga (i-) a green leafy
vegetable
iki-rēngazūba (no pl.) evening
(when sun is very low but still
visible)
iki-rēnge (ibi-) foot
kugera ikirēnge walk in footsteps
of another
kugēnda n'ibirēnge to walk
barefoot
ku-rēngera (-ye) to take authority
on oneself, to try to rule or act in
another's place
about kraal to keep away thieves
and evil spirits
relieved of load
ku-rēngēra (-ye) 1. to arrive at the
top, 2. to pass out of sight, 3. to be
very loud
ku-remurura (-ye) to lighten a load
umu-rēngera (imi-) person with
uru-rēmbēko (in-) 'medicine'
iki-remve (ibi-) blood of cow
ku-rēmbeka (-tse) to put 'medicine'
smeared about kraal to keep away
thieves and evil spirits
ku-rēmbekurura (-ye) to
counteract evil medicine
umu-rēmberezi (aba-) one who
keeps police occupied while one
sought escapes
i-rēmbo (ama-) gate, entrance
ku-rēmburura (-ye) to counteract
ku-remurukwa (-tswe) to be
(drawn out to drink)
creature, 3. created thing
ku-rēngerana (-nye) 1. to be
overripe (bananas), 2. to have too
much to do
ku-remwa (-mwe) to be created
ubu-rēngero west, westwards
umu-remyi (aba-) creator
ku-rengerwa (-we) to sink, to be
covered with water
iki-remwa (ibi-) 1. creation, 2.
iki-rende (ibi-) 1. gourd (long), 2.
person or animal of very nice
disposition, no malice
the effects of evil 'medicine'
i-rendevu rendezvous (from Fr.)
ku-remēka (-tse) to give someone a
i-rēnga (ama-) reed
heavy load
ku-remēkwa (-tswe) to be given a
heavy load
ku-rementaniriza (-je) 1. to lie
about, 2. to deceive
ku-rēnga (-nze) 1. to surpass, go
beyond, 2. to break (the law), 3. to
disappear, to set (of sun), 4. to be
more
urēnge i Gitega! pass by Gitega!
go beyond Gitega!
ku-rementanya (-nije) 1. to put
ku-rēngagiza (-je) to wait, delay to
things together, 2. to lie, 3. to evade answer, to do a sloppy job
ku-remera (-ye) to lie, create at, for
ku-rēngāna (-nye) to pass over,
ku-remēra (-reye) to be heavy, to
pass aside
weigh down
ku-rēngānya (-nije) to skip over,
ku-remereza (-je) to make heavy
pass by
ku-remērwa (-rewe) 1. to be
aka-renganyo (utu-) injustice,
weighed down, heavy-laden, 2. to
be pregnant
many children, great riches,
possessions, countless things
ku-rēnguka (-tse) 1. to approach,
come into sight, 2. to introduce
oneself, 3. to answer to a superior
when called, to come running
ku-rengwa (-nzwe) 1. to slander a
superior (not intentionally but he
interprets it that way), 2. to break
taboo
ku-rēngwa (-nzwe) to be surpassed
ku-rēnza (-nje) 1. to cause to
surpass, 2. to flee
aka-rēnzo (utu-) something that
surpasses anything else of its kind
ku-rera (-ze) 1. to rear a child, 2. to
adopt, 3. to tutor, 4. to educate, 5.
to take a child in arms
ku-rera umwana to babysit
unjustness, inequity, unfairness
aka-rēre 1. desert, 2. wilderness
ku-rēngāra (-ze) to get left behind
(as you stare at something)
iki-rere (ibi-) banana leaves
76
iki-rēre (ibi-) 1. sky, 2. air,
weather, atmosphere
ubu-rezi (no pl.) 1. accusation
ku-rereka (-tse) to look at, watch
umu-rezi (aba-) accuser
of
umu-rēzi (aba-) 1. one who rears
ku-rihīsha (-shije) 1. to cause to
repay, 2. to demand payment, 3. to
bill
(e.g. workers), to look for
ku-rerekēsha (-sheje) to cause to
watch, watch by means of
ku-rerekwa (-tswe) to be watched
ku-reremba (-mvye) to float
ku-rerembuza (-je) to glance at, to
speak without arriving at the point
ku-rerēsha (-sheje) to rear a child
by means of
(old), 2. education
child, 2. tutor, 3. adopted father
umu-rēzi w'abana children's nurse
ku-rihira (-ye) to pay at, for
ku-rihirira (-ye) to pay in the place
ku-rihīshwa (-shijwe) to be asked
--ri is, are (verb without infinitive or to pay
past)
-rimwo contains
irahari available
ku-rihwa (-shwe) to receive
payment of obligation
ha-ri there is, there are (from -ri)
i-rima (no pl.) agriculture
kuvyuku-ri (adv.) really, in reality
ku-rima (-mye) 1. to cultivate, 2. to
hoe, 3. to dig
ku-rērēta (-se) to go here and there
uku-ri 1. truth, 2. (adv.) truly,
(child)
really
ubu-rima (no sing.) soldier ants
rero (conj.) 1. therefore, 2. thus, 3.
u-ri hehe where are you?
umu-rima (imi-) 1. garden, 2. field,
then, 4. so
ku-rerura (-ye) to carry in tipoy
(not sick person)
ku-rerurwa (-we) to be carried in
tipoy
ku-reruza (-je) to cause to carry in
i-riba (ama-) well, valley with
3. land (piece of)
ku-rimagura (-ye) to hoe hard and
water
ku-riba (-vye) to weigh (vi), be
fast
ku-rimagurwa (-we) to be hoed
heavy
quickly
ubu-riba weight
tipoy
uru-riba (ind-) hidden trap
ku-rerwa (-zwe) to be held on lap,
iki-ribwa (ibi-) edible things,
ku-rimana (-nye) to hoe together
be reared
something to eat
ku-rimānganya (-nije) to deceive
another in order to make him give
you money
umu-rerwa (aba-) child
ku-rībwa (-bwe) to have severe
pain, to be eaten
ku-resha (-heje) 1. to act as gobetween for a marriage, 2. to
negotiate
kraal
uku-ribwa severe itching, pain
aka-rīmbi (utu-) fence, boundary
uku-ribwaribwa severe itching,
pain
iki-rīmbi (ibi-) fence, boundary
ku-rēsha (-heje) to make of equal
length or height
i-rido (ama-) curtain (Fr.)
umu-reshi (aba-) go-between in
arranging a marriage
what to do
i-resho (ama-) portable stove
ku-rigata (-se) to lick
ku-rēshwa (-hejwe) to be asked for
ku-rigatira (-ye) to lick at, for
in marriage
ku-rīgānirwa (-we) to not know
ku-rigatīsha (-shije) to cause to
restora restaurant
lick, give to lick
iki-reta (ibi-) bedspread
ku-rigatwa (-swe) to be licked
umu-rete (imi-) omelette
ku-riha (-she) to pay, to make
ubu-reve lisping, speech defect
(esp. for s, sh, c)
amends, to repay, make restitution
iki-rezi (ibi-) necklace
other
ku-rihana (-nye) to repay each
77
iki-rīmba (ibi-) entrance to king's
ku-rimbūra (-ye) 1. to think over
whether a thing is right, count the
cost, 2. to joke (with lots of words),
to be talkative, garrulous
uru-rimi (ind-) 1. tongue, 2.
language (pl. indimi)
ku-rimira (-ye) to hoe at, for
mu-rimirwa traditional sacred drum
"for whom one ploughs", kept at
Gishora
ku-rimīsha (-shije) to cultivate
with, to hoe with, to cause to
cultivate
umu-rimo (imi-) 1. task, 2.
ku-rīra (-riye) to eat at, in, because
ku-rizwa (-jijwe) to be caused to
occupation, employment, 3. duty
of
weep
ibi-rimwa produce, harvest
ubu-rire rheum (certain kind of
illness of eyes)
iki-ro (ibi-) kilo, kilogram
ku-rimwa (-mwe) to be hoed
--rimwo to contain, to include,
including (verb without infinitive,
from -ri)
uru-rire conjunctivitis, rheum (eye
ubu-ro (no pl.) millet
disease)
uru-ro (no pl.) one head of millet
ubu-riri (ama-) bed (plural used
ku-roba (-vye) to fish
ku-robānura (-ye) to choose, select
umu-rimyi (aba-) farmer,
only for an indefinite number)
amariri menshi many beds
uburiri bubiri two beds
cultivator, gardener
ku-rirīmba (-mvye) to sing
aka-rīnda (utu-) weasel
ku-rirīmbana (-nye) to sing with
ku-rīnda (-nze) 1. to watch, be
(as, with joy, not people)
careful, 2. to have to, 3. to guard, to
protect
ku-rirīmbira (-ye) to sing at, for
ubu-rimyi (no pl.) agriculture
ku-rīndana (-nye) to watch each
other, fight with equal force
i-rīnde (no pl.) danger
ku-rindīra (-riye) to wait for, to
expect
i-robe (ama-) loaf of bread, big
portion of food
ku-robera (-ye) to fish at, for
ku-robēsha (-sheje) to cause to
fish, to fish with
sing, lead in singing
ku-robeza (-je) to put into water, to
be caught and unable to extricate
oneself
uru-ririmbo singing, (pl.
robine tap, faucet (from Fr.)
ku-rirīmbīsha (-shije) to cause to
indirīmbo)
ku-rirīmbwa (-bwe) to be sung
i-robo (ama-) a quarter (Sw.)
ku-robwa (-bwe) to be caught
ku-ririra (-ye) to weep over
(fish)
ku-rīrīra (-riye) to be in debt to but
refuse to pay
ku-rofokwa (-kwe) to speak
unwisely or rudely
dare
ku-ririrwa (-we) to be wept over
ku-rīndwa (-nzwe) to be watched
i-rīro (ama-) 1. dining room, 2.
eating place
ku-roga (-ze) 1. to bewitch, 2. to
poison (by bewitchment)
ku-rīndīsha (-shije) to entrust to
someone to guard, encourage
ku-rīndūka (-tse) to be fearless, to
umu-ringa (imi-) metal bracelet
(esp. of brass or copper)
uru-ringa (ind-) fine copper
bracelet
ku-ringanira (-ye) to be equal, the
same size
ku-rogana (-nye) to bewitch each
umu-riro (imi-) fire, fever, electr.
current, fire (shooting)
other
ku-rīsha (-shije) to eat with
(instrument), to pasture, to cause to
eat
ku-rogēsha (-sheje) to cause to
bewitch
umu-risho (imi-) stick for beating
ku-rogōra (-ye) 1. to overcome or
remove enchantment, 2. to taste to
prove that it's safe for others
ku-rogera (-ye) to bewitch at, for
ubu-ringanire equality, equitability
drum
ku-ringaniza (-je) to make equal,
ku-rīshwa (-shijwe) to be caused to
eat, be pastured
ibi-rogorogo one who speaks with
iki-rīngo (ibi-) time, moment (of
--rīya (adv.) that over there (e.g.
zirīya, kirīya, barīya etc.)
finishing or attaining a thing)
ha-rīya (adv.) way over there
iki-rogorogo (ibi-) someone
speaking with senseless repetition
of words
umu-rīnzi (aba-) guard, watchman
ku-riza (-jije) to cause to weep
umu-rīnzi (imi-) thorn tree
ubu-riza (no pl.) first-born
ama-rira (no sing.) weeping
umu-rīzi (aba-) guard, watchman
ku-rira (-ze) to cry, weep
umu-rīzo (imi-) tail
place in order
iki-ringiti (ibi-) bedspread (Rw.)
78
senseless repetition of words
ku-rogota (-se) 1. to speak evil of
the king, 2. to blaspheme
ama-rogotano (no pl.) blasphemy
iki-rogotano (ibi-) blasphemy
ku-rogoza (-je) 1. to ask for
medicine to counteract
bewitchment, 2. take a drink
proving it is not poisoned
ku-rondōza (-je) to cause to
ku-rorana (-nye) to look at each
multiply
other
ku-rōnga (-nze) to wash vegetable
ku-rogwa (-zwe) to be bewitched
iki-rōnge (ibi-) sprout of sorghum
aka-rohe (utu-) imperfect thing,
ku-rōngera (-ye) to wash
diseased body
vegetables at, for
iki-rohe (ibi-) dirt in water,
ubu-rongo (no pl.) mud, clay
anything that falls in water
umu-rōngo (imi-) 1. row, 2. line, 3.
roho 1. spirit, 2. soul (from Sw.
roho)
ku-roka (-tse) to sink
alignment, 4. verse, 5. (pl.)
mirongo multiples of ten
mirongwibiri, -tatu, etc. 20, 30,
etc.
ku-rokoka (-tse) 1. to get well, 2. to ku-rongora (-ye) 1. to marry (of
be saved
ku-rokora (-ye) to save, rescue,
heal
ku-rokorana (-nye) to save each
ku-roranirwa (-niwe) 1. to be
fortunate, be lucky, 2. to have a lot
(may be even a lot of debts or
trouble)
ku-rorānya (-nije) to make straight,
put in order, to arrange properly, to
place facing each other
i-rore (ama-) 1. mirror, 2. (in pl.)
glasses, spectacles
ku-roreka (-tse) to be nice to look
groom), 2. to have sex (only used of at
men)
ku-rōngōra (-ye) 1. to lead,
precede, 2. to govern
other
ku-rongorana (-nye) to have sex
umu-rokore (aba-) saved person
(without being married) (lit. to
marry each other)
ku-rokorwa (-we) to be saved,
ku-roraniriza (-je) to prepare, make
perfect
ku-rorera (-ye) to look at by, for,
by means of
ku-rorēra (-reye) to wait for a short
moment
ku-rorērana (-nye) to wait for each
other
umu-rokozi (aba-) deliverer,
ku-rongorora (-ye) to rinse clothes,
grain or dishes, to take them from
ku-rorērera (-ye) to await at, for
water
ku-rorēreza (-je) to cause to wait
ku-rongorwa (-we) 1. to be
aka-rorero (utu-) example,
married (of bride), 2. to have sex
illustration,
model
(only of women)
rescuer, savior
ku-rōngōrwa (-we) 1. to be led, 2.
ibi-rorero glasses, spectacles
aka-rōnda (utu-) little sore
to be preceded
ibi-rorēro dances, exercises (as at
ku-rondera (-reye) 1. to search for,
umu-rōngōzi (aba-) guide, leader,
feast)
2. to look for, 3. to reach for, 4. to
browse, surfe, navigate (internet)
chief's assistant (esp. in law
enforcement)
means of
ku-rondereka (-tse) to be able to
be found when looked for
ku-rōngwa (-nzwe) to be washed
(vegetables)
ku-ronderera (-ye) to look for at,
ku-rōnka (-nse) 1. to receive, to
for, because of
get, 2. to find, 3. to obtain, acquire
ku-ronderwa (-we) to be looked
ku-rōnkera (-ye) to receive at, for
for
ama-rōnko acquisitions,
ku-rondeza (-je) to help to look for
possessions
ku-rōndōka (-tse) to be prolific, to
ku-rōnkwa (-nswe) to be received
multiply rapidly
ku-rōnsa (-keje) to give to, give in
ku-rondōra (-ye) to bring new
to
ku-rotsa (-keje) 1. to gulp down, 2.
to dump into something, 3.
submerge in water
kinds of seeds or cattle into the
country, to multiply
ku-rora (-ye) 1. to look at, 2. to go
toward
umu-rovyi (aba-) fisherman
healed
ku-rokoza (-je) to get well when
others around are dying, to save by
means of
ku-rorerwa (-we) to be seen by
ku-rorērwa (-rewe) to be waited for
iki-rori (ibi-) 1. festival day, 2.
event, 3. celebration
ku-rorwa (-we) to be looked at
ku-rōta (-se) to dream, daydream
ku-rōtōra (-ye) to tell, explain a
dream
i-rozari (ama-) rosary
79
i-rozi (ama-) (used in pl.) spell,
charm, hex, magic formula,
conjuration
ku-rūmba (-mvye) to be fruitless
(plants only)
ubu-rozi (no pl.) 1. witchcraft, 2.
thing, corn, etc., 2. stunted plant
poison, 3. acid
umu-rozi (aba-) one who
bewitches, witch
iki-rūmbirane (ibi-) 1. fruitless
mu-rumuna (ba-) younger brother
of boy, younger sister of girl
ku-rumūra (-ye) to open, take off
ku-runguriza (-je) to ripen (of
fruits)
ku-runguruka (-tse) to look from
side to side trying to see everything
ku-rura (-ze) to be bitter, sour
u-rura rw'amase bowel
lid (of basket)
rurabwe seeing one indistinctly
because he went too fast
i-rtyazo (ama-) grinding stone
ku-rumya (-mye) to close, cover
(as basket)
umu-rurazi (imi-) bitterness
ku-rtyekeza (-je) to speak
ku-rūnda (-nze) 1. to pile up, make
Rurema Creator
sarcastically, ironically
a heap, 2. to accumulate
ku-rurirwa (-we) to find it sour,
ku-rūndāna (-nye) 1. to crowd
together (vi), 2. to be many
bitter
ku-rūndarūnda (-nze) to pile up,
ama-rūru wailings
--rtya (adj.) like this (see also -rtyo,
like that)
--rtyo (adj.) like that (gurtyo,
durtyo, murtyo, bartyo, etc.)
i-rugu (ama-) nape of neck
ha-ruguru (adv.) toward the top,
higher up, inner room
amass a lot
Bu-rundi Urundi, Burundi, (litt.
ku-ruha (-she) to be tired, weary
'the other one', in reference to
Rwanda)
ubu-ruhe (no pl.) weariness,
iki-rundi Burundian language,
fatigue
ku-ruhira (-ye) 1. to do the work of
another without approval, 2. to get
weary at, for
ku-rurīsha (-shije) to make bitter
ubu-ruru blue
ku-rurūmba (-mvye) 1. to be hot
(esp. fever), to be feverish, 2. to be
in flames
Kirundi
umu-rurūmbo (imi-) fever, heat
Umu-rundi (Aba-) Burundian,
Rusama May
inhabitant of Burundi
umu-rundi (imi-) shin
ku-rusha (-shije) 1. to surpass, to
be better, 2. to make tired
iki-rūndo (ibi-) heap, pile
ku-rushanya (-nije) to race, contest
ku-ruhīsha (-shije) to make weary
iki-runga (ibi-) volcano
nda-rushe I am tired
Ruhuhuma February
ku-runga (-nze) to put butter in
food
ku-rushiriza (-je) to surpass,
receive more, to do even more
ku-rūngika (-tse) 1. to send (esp.
aka-rusho (utu-) advantage
place, 2. refuge, 3. stopping place
person rather than message), 2. to
address
ama-rushwa (no sing.) troubles,
iki-ruhūko (ibi-) 1. vacation, 2.
ku-rūngikana (-nye) to send with
ku-ruhira ubusa to give birth to a
child who dies at once
ku-ruhūka (-tse) to rest (vi)
ubu-ruhūkiro (no pl.) 1. resting
rest, break, respite, 3. holidays
ku-ruhūra (-ye) to rest (vt)
ku-ruhūrira (-ye) to help to rest by
taking the load, etc.
ku-ruka (-tse) 1. to vomit, 2. spit
disturbance
umu-rushwa (aba-) unfortunate
ku-rūngikira (-ye) to send to, for
person
ku-rūngikīsha (-shije) to cause to
ku-ruta (-she) to surpass, to be
better (also used to make
comparative)
send
i-rungu (ama-) loneliness, solitude
ku-rutanya (-nije) to race, to
up phlegm
iki-rungu (ibi-) bulb (as of flower)
contest
umu-ruka (imi-) carapace, shell
iki-rungurira (ibi-) nausea
ku-rutīsha (-shije) to cause to
ku-rukīsha (-shije) to cause to
ku-rungurirwa (-we) to be dizzy, to
surpass
vomit
feel nausea
ba-rutungaboro 1. elders and
rulers (esp. in regard to their
ku-rumanya (-nije) to seal
80
function of helping the poor), 2. (in
sing.) one who helps the poor
iki-rya ikindi consumer
ku-rutwa (-swe) to be surpassed
intercourse, 2. to fornicate
umu-rwa (imi-) slope of hill, royal
ku-ryāgūmba (-mvye) to answer
back lots of words to one who
reproves you
ku-ryōha (-she) to be delicious,
excellent, to be tasteful
ku-ryako (-rīyeko) to eat a little, to
ubu-ryōhe (no pl.) flavor,
taste just a bite
deliciousness
place
ku-rwāna (-nye) to fight (vi)
ku-rwānira (-ye) 1. to fight at, for,
2. to resist
ku-rwānīsha (-shije) to fight with,
by means of
umu-rwānizi (aba-) tempter, enemy
ku-rwānya (-nije) to fight with, to
cope with (vt)
ku-rwāra (-ye) to be ill, to be sick
ku-rya umwana 1. to have
ama-ryāma time to go to bed
ku-ryāma (-mye) 1. to go to bed, 2.
to lie down, 3. to go to sleep
ku-ryāmana (-nye) 1. to lie down
with, to lie down together, 2. to
have sex
ku-rwāra amahēmbe illness
ku-ryāmika (-tse) 1. to put to bed,
2. to lay down
resembling demon possession
ku-ryāmikwa (-tswe) to be put to
ku-rwāragurika (-tse) to be often
bed
ill
ku-ryāmira (-ye) to lie in wait for,
ku-rwārira (-ye) to be sick at
await opportunity to harm, to lie on
nda-rwāye I am sick
umu-rwāyi (aba-) sick person
ku-rwāza (-je) 1. to nurse an
invalid, 2. to make sick, to become
ill
ubu-ryo (no pl.) right hand or side,
opportunity, occasion, manner
uku-ryo right hand or side,
opportunity, occasion, manner
ku-ryōhera (-ye) to please to, taste
good to
ku-ryōherereza (-je) to enforce
what one has said, drive it home
ku-ryōherwa (-we) 1. to find it
good, 2. to find pleasure, 3. to feel,
experience (positive emotion)
ku-ryōsha (-heje) 1. to make good,
delicious, 2. to interest
bira-ryoshe it's delicious (from
kuryōha)
ubu-ryamo sleeping (from
S
kuryāma)
ku-ryana (-nye) to eat each other,
--sa (adj.) alone, merely, only
to eat together (from kurya)
ku-ryāna (-nye) to bite (of animals,
gu-sa (-sa) to resemble, to be like,
to be similar
insects)
sa nkoko hop!
gu-saba (-vye) 1. to pray, beg, ask
for, 2. to order
sick because of
ku-ryana akameka to eat together
from the bucket (lit.), to have
homosexual intercourse (euphem.
from prison language)
umu-rwāza (aba-) helper of the
sick
ku-rwāzwa (-je) to be nursed, to be
gu-sāba (-vye) 1. to scatter, burst,
disperse (vi), 2. crack, break in two
(all of these because container is
too full), 3. to be exhausted
aka-rwi (utu-) group of people, pile
ku-ryana inyuma (Sw.) to have
of wood
anal intercourse
ama-rwi 1. front teeth, 2. swarm
(bees, etc.), 3. piles of grain
umu-ryāngo (imi-) 1. door, 2.
family, 3. clan, kinship
gu-sabagira (-ye) to lap (as dog)
umu-rwi (imi-) group, team
Ryangombe other name for
gu-sābagira (-ye) to scatter
everywhere (vi)
Rwirabura June
--rya that over there
ku-rya (-rīye) to eat (used for
people and animals)
(more polite, for people only)
gufungura
umu-rya (imi-) tendon
Kiranga
gu-sābagiza (-je) to scatter
ryari when? (in questions only)
everywhere (vt)
ku-ryārukana (-nye) to abuse one
you formerly loved
(amagara yandyarutse – my
strength has left me)
gu-sabana (-nye) to beg each other
ubu-ryarya (no pl.) itching, making
others think you've done a miracle
when it's only a deception
81
i-sābato (ama-) Sabbath
imi-sabiko herbal tea
gu-sabira (-ye) to pray for
gu-sagaza (-je) 1. to surround, 2.
to be in large group (esp. cows, or
gu-sabirana (-nye) to pray for each
people sitting)
other
i-sage (ama-) pistil of flower
gu-sabiriza (-je) 1. to pray, 2. to
ubu-sage (no pl.) 1. fringe, 2. long
beg, 3. to ask frequently
hair (with butter and mud in it), 3.
gu-sabirwa (-we) to be prayed for
lock of hair, 4. corn silk
gu-sābira (-ye) to scatter at, to
umu-sabisabi (aba-) beggar, one
who is always asking for things
umu-sābisābi (aba-) one who
gu-sakārwa (-we) to be roofed
gu-sakāza (-je) to roof with
i-sāke (ama-) rooster
uru-sako (in-) 1. gossip, 2.
curiosity
uru-saku (in-) 1. gossip, 2.
uru-sāgo (in-) temporary house
curiosity
gu-sāguka (-tse) 1. to be more,
uru-sakusaku (in-) chin
above, abundant, 2. to be too big
gu-sakuza (-je) to gossip, talk,
ubu-sagwe (ama-) poison of snake
or other animal (in mouth)
chatter
pray, pray by means of
i-saha (ama-) hour, clock
aga-sāma (no pl.) 1. chicken pox,
igi-sabīsho (ibi-) prayer
gu-sahagura (-ye) to be greedy
i-sabuni (ama-) (Sw.) soap
i-sahāne (ama-) plate, dish (Sw.)
gu-sabwa (-bwe) to be prayed to,
asked for something
i-sahāni (ama-) 1. plate, dish, 2.
container (Sw.)
sabwe present! here! (exclamation
gu-sahiriza (-je) to cooperate in
to a superior, lit. let it be asked)
getting a job done quickly, to give
someone a hand
keeps dropping things here and
there
gu-sabīsha (-shije) to cause to
gu-saduka (-tse) to crack (vi)
aga-saho (udu-) 1. backpack, 2.
igi-safu (ibi-) wild goose
traditional shoulder bag
i-safuria (ama-) saucepan, cooking
pot, kettle
i-saho (ama-) sack, bag
i-safuriya (ama-) saucepan,
aga-saho k'umutima heart cavity
cooking pot, kettle
i-sahu (ama-) spoil, plunder
gu-sāga (-ze) 1. to be more, to be
gu-sahura (-ye) 1. to steal, 2. to
abundant, 2. to be more than
pillage, 3. to remove everything
from burning house
igi-sāga (ibi-) 1. things over above
igi-sakuzo (ibi-) riddle
2. measles
gu-sama (-mye) 1. to hold from
falling, 2. to catch something
thrown (as ball)
gu-sāma (-mye) 1. to make a big
noise, 2. to resound, make an echo,
3. make a bubbling sound
gu-sama inda to conceive
gu-samagira (-ye) to memorize
gu-samāra (-ye) 1. to look at in
wonder, to be fascinated, 2. to look
at without paying attention, to be
inattentive, not pay attention
gu-samāza (-je) 1. to wait or long
for, 2. to expect, 3. to do something
that causes pleasure or amazement,
4. to distract
10, 2. excess, surplus, 3. garment
that is too big
ubu-sahuzi 1. pillage, 2. thievery,
3. plundering
n'aga-sāga goodbye
umu-sahuzi (aba-) pillager, looter,
gu-sāmba (-mvye) 1. to be in
agony, to writhe, 2. to have spasms,
3. to declare one's case at a trial
plunderer
igi-sāmba (ibi-) deep, uncovered
sahwānya conjunction (gram.)
basket
ama-sāka sorghum, sorgho
ama-sambambwika mumps
gu-sagaba (-vye) 1. to have
abundant leaves and branches, 2. to
crawl along ground (of vines)
gu-sagāra (-ye) 1. to multiply (vi),
igi-saka (ibi-) bush, shrub
be many (esp. of cows, also of
trees), 2. to get in nose and cause to umu-saka (imi-) house in ruins
sneeze (as pepper)
uru-sakanwa (in-) chin
igi-sagara (ibi-) big city, capital
umu-sakanyika (imi-) skunk
gu-sagarara (-ye) to put out great
gu-sakāra (-ye) to put on a roof
branches
gu-sakārira (-ye) to put on roof for
82
gu-sāmbana (-nye) to commit
adultery, to fornicate
ubu-sāmbanyi (no pl.) adultery
umu-sāmbanyi (aba-) adulterer
imi-sambi women's dance,
imitating the movements of the
crowned crane, Kirimiro region
umu-sāmbi (imi-) 1. goldencrested crane, 2. worn-out mat
gu-sangira (-ye) 1. to eat together,
2. to share, 3. to compete
shop
ubu-sambiri a non-traditional
gu-sangīsha (-shije) to cause to
umu-sarani (imi-) 1. toilet, 2.
dance of the youth, influenced by
neighboring Tanzania, Buragane
region
watch
human dung, excrement, feces
gu-sambūka (-tse) 1. to fall down
(house, etc.), 2. to come to pieces
gu-sambūra (-ye) to tear down,
destroy, demolish, undo
gu-sambūrwa (-we) 1. to be torn
down, 2. to be undone
i-sambusa (ama-) samosa (fried
pastry of Indian origin)
gu-sambūza (-je) to cause to tear
down
i-sambwe (ama-) mongoose
igi-samunyu (ibi-) kind of bananas
(for cooking)
gu-sangiza (-je) to give to another
gu-sarara (-ye) 1. to sob, 2. to get
to share
hoarse
uru-sāngo (in-) 'medicine' people
umu-sarara (imi-) clear (e.g.
rub on to make others like them
water)
gu-sangwa (-nzwe) 1. to be
watched, 2. to be found, 3. to be
common
gu-saraza (-je) to make hoarse
gu-sanīsha (-shije) to cause to
repair, repair with
i-sano 1. resemblance, similarity,
2. relationship
gu-sanura (-ye) to repair a house
gu-sanza (-shanje) 1. to scatter
(vt), 2. spread out on something (vt)
samuragwa (ba-) heir
gu-sānza (-nje) to take to someone
where he is
gu-sana (-nye) to repair (any
woven thing)
gu-sanzāra (-ye) to scatter (vi),
spill (anything not liquid)
gu-sāna (-nye) te be related
ugu-sana repairing, mending
gu-sanasana (-nye) to repair
(something absolutely worn out)
repeatedly
igi-sānda-sānda (ibi-) small trees
with fronds resembling palms
i-sandugu (ama-) box, chest
gu-sānga (-nze) 1. to find, 2. to
watch (house)
i-saramara (ama-) (Sw.) carpenter
gu-sanzāza (-je) to disperse, to
scatter (vt)
gu-sarazwa (-jwe) to be made
hoarse
i-sari (rare in pl.) extreme hunger
or thirst, starvation
ubu-saro (no pl.) beads (esp. big
ones)
gu-sarura (-ye) to put design on
pot, basket
gu-sasa (-shashe) to stay at the
king's or a chief's court for a time
inka zishashe amahembe maze of
horns
i-sasa (ama-) floor tile
gu-sasa akarimi to flatter
gu-sasa amahembe to be many
gu-sanzāzwa (-jwe) to be scattered
together (of cows)
muri-sānze be yourself, make
yourself comfortable (said to a
visitor)
gu-sasa ibwami 1. to go to work
for chief or king, 2. to spread grass,
3. to make a bed
umu-sānzi (aba-) watchman, guard
(esp. in daytime)
gu-sasagara (-ye) to have many
children when one is the last of the
family
gu-sanzwa (-njwe) to be scattered
gu-sara (-ze) to become crazy,
sasarugari kind of sweet potato
foolish, to lose reason
gu-sasāta (-se) to cause itching
wipe out, destroy completely
umu-saraba (imi-) (Sw.) cross
ubu-sasāte (no pl.) itching
gu-sanganira (-ye) 1. to go to
meet, 2. to greet, 3. to welcome
i-saradi (i-) salad
gu-sasātwa (-swe) to itch
gu-saragurika (-tse) 1. to talk or
act foolishly, as a crazy person, 2.
to ferment quickly, 3. to reject
counsel, 4. to be marked, scratched
(as cooking pot with design), 5. to
burst open in garden (as overripe
beans)
ugu-sasātwa itching
gu-sangangura (-ye) to tear down,
gu-sanganirwa (-we) to be met
gu-sanganwa (-nywe) to be found
in possession of
igi-sāngāza (ibi-) deep, uncovered
basket
83
i-sase (ama-) spark
umu-sase midmorning
umu-saseredoti (aba-) catholic
priest
gu-sasira (-ye) 1. to spread grass
around something (e.g. around
coffee trees), 2. to make bed for
gu-sāsira (-riye) to praise highly
one of whom you've heard
gu-sāsīra (-ye) 1. to beat drum
gu-satuza (-je) to cause to split,
split with
gu-sāvya (-bije) to break and
scatter (vt)
ndabigu-savye Please! (from
sēbabiri (ba-) father of twins (also
used for the mother)
gu-sebana (-nye) 1. to tattle (in
order to advance oneself), 2. to
gossip
gusaba)
igi-sebe (ibi-) bad ulcer
sawa (adj.) okay, OK, right,
sebukwe (ba-) father-in-law (of
correct (Sw.)
someone else)
gu-sebura (-ye) to bubble (water)
coming of another
umu-saya (imi-) 1. temple (of
head), 2. cheek
sāsita noon, lunch (time) (from Sw.
sayiri barley
in river or lake on rocks
isaha sita)
gu-sāza (-shaje) to get old, worn
gu-sēbwa (-sewe) to be ground
i-saso (ama-) 1. grass mattress, 2.
tiling (of floor)
out
continuously, thus setting time for
others beating, 2. to go to help
another in his work
gu-sāsīrira (-ye) to rejoice in the
igi-sebuzi (ibi-) splashing of water
i-sederi cedar
mu-sāza (ba-) brother (of girl)
gu-sefagura (-ye) to have
hiccoughs repeatedly
spread out (grass), 2. to be made
(bed)
musazanje my brother (girl
speaking)
musaza wiwe her brother
musazacu our brother (girls
speaking)
musaza wanyu your brother
(spoken to girls)
igi-saswa (ibi-) duvet cover
umu-sāza (aba-) old man
i-sata (ama-) ~ burēnge word that
i-sāzi (ama-) fly (insect)
remains in heart causing sorrow or
anger, lasting grudge
ibi-sazi craziness
gu-segenya (-nye) to crowd up
together (people sitting on floor)
igi-sata (ibi-) thorn, sliver, thorny
i-segenya (ama-) very heavy rain
bush
ubu-sazi (no pl.) folly, willful
stirring up of trouble
gu-satagura (-ye) to break to bits
umu-sazi (aba-) crazy person
gu-segenyesha (-sheje) to cause to
move, to roll along
(vi)
gu-sazisha (-shajishije) to make
gu-satagurika (-tse) to break to
old
bits (vi)
se (ba-) his, her, their father
gu-satagurwa (-we) to be broken
base babo their fathers
to bits
ama-se manure
gu-sasūra (-ye) 1. to gather up
grass that has been spread out, 2. to
unmake a bed
gu-sāswa (-shashwe) 1. to be
i-sefu (ama-) hiccough
gu-sefura (-ye) to hiccough
gu-sega (-ze) to climb (tree)
gu-sēga (-ze) to beg
i-sega (ama-) early corn
gu-segenyeza (-je) 1. to roll along,
2. to carry and put down frequently,
3. to crowd up together (people
sitting)
gu-segerereza (-je) to beg
habitually
igi-sate (ibi-) piece of something
that has been cut, slate
ibi-se 1. childbirth, travail, 2.
giving up after trying several times
umu-segetera (imi-) mosquito net
i-sato (ama-) python
ibī-se a lot of manure
umu-sego (imi-) cushion, pillow
uru-sāto (in-) skin, hide
igi-se (ibi-) ardour, fervour
gu-satura (-ye) to split wood, to
cut lengthwise
gu-saturira (-ye) to split wood at,
for
gu-saturwa (-we) to be split
aga-seba (udu-) 1. bubbling of
water in spring, or boiling, 2. sifter
to sift out chaff
gu-seba (-vye) to become barren
(from lack of fertilizer)
gu-segura (-ye) to put head on
pillow
gu-seka (-tse) 1. to ram into as a
sheep does, 2. to butt, to bump into
gu-sēka (-tse) to be powdered
gu-sekana (-nye) to collide
ugu-sekana shock, collision
84
gu-sekaseka (-tse) to laugh
igi-seke (ibi-) tall, pointed basket
umu-seke (imi-) dawn (very early)
gu-sekura (-ye) 1. to shell or grind
in wooden mortar, 2. to push
forward, 3. to put down roughly, 4.
to drop
gu-sekurira (-ye) to grind at, for
i-sēnge (ama-) 1. ivory, 2. five
centime piece
igi-sēnge (ibi-) roof
mā-sēnge (ba-) my, our paternal
aunt
nyogosēnge your paternal aunt
udu-senge splint
i-sēnge ry'inzovu (ama-) elephant
gu-sēnyūra (-ye) to cause to fall
down (house)
gu-sēnywa (-nywe) to be gathered
(wood)
uru-sepfu (in-) hiccough
gu-sepfura (-ye) to hiccough
gu-sēra (-reye) to grind at, for
tusk
umu-serebanyi (imi-) lizard
their)
gu-sengera (-ye) to pray for, at
i-sereri (i-) celery
i-sekuru (ama-) mortar for grinding
i-sengero (ama-) 1. crowd, 2.
gu-seruka (-tse) to appear
(also isekuro)
church congregation (people)
sēkuru (ba-) grandfather (his,
sēkuruza (ba-) ancestor (his, their)
ibi-sēkuruza generation (use in pl.)
gu-sekurwa (-we) to be ground in
mortar
umu-sekuzo (imi-) pestle for
uru-sengero (in-) church
gu-sērūka (-tse) 1. to degrade,
deteriorate, 2. to fade
(building)
ubu-seruko east, eastwards
gu-sengerwa (-we) to be prayed
i-serumu serum (med.)
for
umu-sēngesēnge (imi-) sparks or
grinding in mortar
coals that go up with the smoke,
soot
gu-sēmbēra (-reye) to sojourn
gu-sengēsha (-sheje) to cause to
(esp. in search for place to build)
pray
gu-sēmbereza (-je) to give lodging
i-sengēsho (ama-) 1. prayer, 2.
to stranger (for several days)
worship, 3. church service
aga-sembwa (udu-) spot
umu-sēngezana (aba-) child of
gu-semerera (-ye) to shout, call
one's brother (if one is a girl)
gu-serura (-ye) 1. to disclose, 2. to
show, cause to appear, 3. make
known
gu-sērūra (-ye) 1. to cause to fade,
2. to cause to deteriorate
gu-serurwa (-we) to be disclosed
gu-sesa (-sheshe) to look through,
to search
gu-sēsa (-sheshe) 1. to empty out,
2. to spill, 3. to sprout (millet)
from hill to hill
gu-sengwa (-nzwe) to be
gu-sēna (-nnye) 1. to make smooth
worshipped
gu-sēseka (-tse) to spill (vi)
or level, 2. to polish
igi-sengwa (ibi-) image, idol
gu-sēsekara (-ye) to run over, spill
over, overflow
sēnaka (ba-) head of the kraal
gu-sēnya (-shenye) to gather
gu-sēnda (-nze) to chase away, to
firewood
drive out (esp. evil spirits)
gu-sēnyana (-nye) to gather wood
uru-senda (in-) pepper
together
gu-sesema (-mye) to cause nausea
aga-sendabageni (udu-) just
gu-sēnyera (-ye) to gather wood
igi-sesema (ibi-) nausea
below eye, cheekbone
at, for
umu-sēsekara (imi-) surplus,
overflow
i-seseme nausea
i-senema (i-) cinema, movie
i-sēnyerana (ama-) crash of
theater
something falling
gu-senga (-nze) 1. to worship, to
umu-senyeri (aba-) bishop
adore, 2. pray
(catholic)
i-senga (ama-) 1. cave, 2. perfume,
umu-sēnyi (imi-) sand
nice-smelling oil
gu-sēnyūka (-tse) to fall down
uru-sēnga (in-) net for fishing
(esp. house)
85
gu-sesemwa (-mwe) to be
nauseated
gu-sesēra (-reye) to penetrate the
skin (as thorn)
gu-sēsera (-ye) to pour out at, for
gu-sesereza (-sheshereje) 1. to
penetrate the skin (esp. under
fingernail), 2. to hurt another's
feelings
i-sēsero (ama-) place where water
has flooded
gu-sha (-hīye) 1. to cook (vi), to
burn (vi), 2. to ripen (for certain
fruits, esp. bananas)
ugu-sha combustion
gu-sesērwa (-we) 1. to have
umu-shaba (imi-) heart, spirit of
something penetrate the skin, 2. to
be hurt by what someone says, 3. to
be hurt (as injury)
person
umu-shaha (imi-) spirit of a person
umu-shāmbara (imi-) rags, worn
out clothes
i-shamburiyeri inner tube
i-shami (ama-) branch
udu-shami branches
gu-shamika (-tse) to put forth
branches
gu-sēsēsha (-sheje) to cause to
umu-shahara (imi-) salary, wages
pour out
umu-shahara ubaye baye normal,
gu-seswa (-sheshwe) to be
appropriate or average salary
searched through
i-shāmvu (ama-) inherited
property, piece of land
out
shahu familiar term for addressing
another (used mostly by men and
boys)
gu-shāna (-nnye) to fall
continuously (rain)
gu-setsa (-keje) 1. to entertain, 2.
gu-shāhura (-ye) to castrate, make
uru-shāna (no pl.) principal rainy
gu-sēswa (-sheshwe) to be poured
gu-shāmira (-ye) to determine
sterile
season (April)
gu-shāka (-tse) 1. to want, 2. to
i-shānga (see ihānga)
like, 3. to search
uru-shānga (in-) dye, black mud
paternal aunt
i-shāka (ama-) 1. desire, 2. zeal
aga-shāngāra (no pl.) syphilis
gu-sēzera (-ye) 1. to bid goodbye,
gu-shākana (-nye) to lust for each
gu-shangashirwa (-we) to be
other, to marry
sorrowful, angry, exasperated
ubu-shākanyi (no pl.) lust
i-shano (ama-) poison
gu-sēzera ku akazi to quit a job
gu-shākashaka (-tse) to research,
gu-shanyuka (-tse) to be happy
gu-sezerana (-nije) 1. to promise
to enquire
(each other), 2. to engage, 3. to bid
each other goodbye, 4. to make a
contract
igi-shakashaka (ibi-) big strong
to make laugh, to be funny
i-sevu (ama-) hiccough, hiccup
sēwabo (ba-) his, her, their
to dismiss, 2. to fix up nice place to
sit (old use)
i-sezerano (ama-) 1. promise, 2.
testament, 3. contract, agreement,
4. alliance
ama-sezerano y’akazi work
contract
reed, stalk of sorghum
gu-shānyūka (-tse) to deteriorate,
come apart, to get rutted or pitted
from rain
gu-shakisha (-shije) 1. to make
look for, let search for, 2. to
browse, to surfe (internet)
i-shārara (no pl.) excessive thirst
umu-shakisha (aba-) explorer
gu-sharika (-tse) to be jealous
mu-shakisharubuga (imi-)
gu-sharikana (-nye) to be jealous
i-shari jealousy
internet browser, internet navigator, of each other
explorer
gu-sharira (-ye) 1. to calculate, 2.
goodbye at, for, 2. to say goodbye,
to learn
giving the permission to leave, 3. to aga-shakoshi (udu-) 1. small
sports bag, 2. hand bag, 3. ladies
prepare a place to sit for (old use)
gu-shariza (-je) to adorn, decorate
purse
umu-sēzero (imi-) place to sit,
umu-sharuro (imi-) beer or milk
i-shakoshi (ama-) sports bag
grass mat to sit on
with water mixed in
aga-shakoshi
ka
computer
laptop
umu-sezi (aba-) beggar
--shasha (adj.) new
bag
--sha (adj.) new
i-shashara (ama-) wax (esp. bees)
i-shāmba (ama-) brush, jungle, rain
sha familiar term for addressing
forest
umu-shashara (imi-) wax (esp.
another (used mostly by men and
bees)
aga-shāmbara (udu-) rags, worn
boys)
out clothes
i-shāshi (ama-) male animal
gu-sēzerera (-ye) 1. to say
86
i-shati (ama-) shirt (Sw. shati)
gu-shemezwa (-jwe) to be praised
gu-shigisha (-she) to stir porridge
igi-shato c'ugutwi earlobe
gu-shengera (-ye) 1. to go to chief
with trouble, complaint, 2. to visit
someone important, 3. to pay
homage to
i-shigisha (ama-) red beans
umu-shatsi (imi-) hair (of human
head)
i-shavu (ama-) grudge, crossness,
anger, sorrow
gu-shavura (-ye) to be cross, sad
gu-shavurira (-ye) to be cross at,
because of
gu-shavuza (-je) to make cross,
sad
gu-shavuzwa (-jwe) to be made
cross, mad
gu-shengerera (-ye) 1. to go to
chief with trouble, complaint, 2. to
visit someone important, 3. to pay
homage to
i-shengero (ama-) 1. crowd, 2.
church congregation (people)
gu-shengeza (-je) to take someone
to chief (or other), esp. for trial or
accusation
gu-shenguruka (-tse) to return
gu-shāya (-ye) to be muddy, be
stuck in mud
from visiting chief
i-shāyo (no pl.) muddy place (deep
uncivilized person
mud)
gu-shāyūka (-tse) to get out of
mud
umu-shēnzi (aba-) heathen person,
i-shesheti (ama-) sock
i-shetani (ama-) 1. devil, satan, 2.
demon
gu-shāyūra (-ye) to pull out of
mud
in-shi (in-) slap on the face
gu-shaza (-jije) 1. to try to get out
uru-shi (ama-) palm of hand
of work, appear as working but
really doing nothing, 2. to adorn,
decorate, dress up
gu-shibama (-mye) to stand erect
ubu-shaza (no pl.) peas
gu-shazīsha (-shije) to decorate,
for a long time
umu-shibamyi (aba-) one who
stands erect, on guard
gu-shibuka (-tse) to hurry, depart
adorn
quickly
ubu-she (no pl.) burn
shēbuja (ba-) his, her, their master,
employer
gu-shibura (-ye) to hurl, repulse
violently, to throw with force,
reject
i-sheferi (ama-) administrative
gu-shidīkanya (-nije) to doubt
region, area (Fr. chefferi)
i-shiga (ama-) (usually used in pl.,
amashiga) three stones of
traditional fireplace
igi-shegu (ibi-) person consecrated
to Kiranga
i-sheki (ama-) cheque, check
i-sheki idakwije amahera bad
cheque
gu-shemagiza (-je) to praise
gu-shemeza (-je) to praise for
something received
gu-shika (-tse) 1. to arrive, 2. to
reach, 3. to happen, take place
igi-shika (ibi-) thing which one
longs for, strong desire
mu-shikabo (ba-) their sister (of
boys)
umu-shikaki (imi-) pike
gu-shikama (-mye) to make very
strong, to be very strong, remain
strong
gu-shikamizwa (-jwe) to be made
strong
gu-shikana (-nye) to give, offer,
make sacrifice, to arrive with
gu-shikanira (-ye) to offer to
mu-shikanje (ba-) my brother (boy
speaking)
i-shikanwa (ama-) offering, gift
i-shike (ama-) yellow daisy
nimu-shike Come on in!
umu-shike (imi-) fallow land,
needing work before planting
mu-shiki (ba-) sister (of boy)
mushiki wiwe his sister
mushiki wanyu your sister
(spoken to boys)
(see also mushikanje, mushikabo)
gu-shikira (-ye) to arrive at, to
attain, to achieve
umu-shikiranganji (aba-) cabinet
minister (lit. someone who has
attained authority)
gu-shikiriza (-je) to place on, give
gu-shigikira (-ye) to hold up, prop
to, return to
(something on ground, not high up)
gu-shikirwa (-we) to receive
gu-shigikiza (-je) to cause or
presents
enable to hold up, support
gu-shigirika (-tse) to hold up
ama-shigisha corn of a certain
kind (yellow)
87
umu-shikirwa (aba-)
superintendent
gu-shikiza (-je) to slap (gushikiza
inshi)
gu-shikuka (-tse) to pull out easily
umu-shingamateka (aba-)
(vi)
legislator
gu-shikura (-ye) to extract, pull,
umu-shīngantāhe (aba-) 1.
gu-shira (-ze) 1. to put, to place, 2.
to wear out, to finish (vi)
tear away, bite, grab
witness, 2. elder, man of influence,
3. Mr., 4. Sir
gu-shīra (-riye) to take to someone
when stung or bit, 2. to be pulled
out
uru-shinge (in-) (Sw.) needle
gu-shīra (verb without past) to be
gu-shikuza (-je) to help pull out,
attendant
gu-shikurwa (-riwe) 1. to jump
pull out with
gu-shīma (-mye) 1. to praise, 2. to
be satisfied with, 3. to appreciate,
to admire, 4. to congratulate
ugu-shīma acknowledgment
gu-shīmagiza (-je) to glorify,
honor before others
igi-shimaryango (ibi-) doorpost
gu-shimika (-tse) 1. to do one's
gu-shīngira (-ye) to be a wedding
gu-shira amanga 1. to be brave,
igi-shīngo (ibi-) place of another
memory
gu-shira impungenge to have
aga-shinguramunyu (udu-)
NGO, organisation
aga-shingurasukari (udu-) sugor
gu-shīmīsha (-shije) to please, to
cause praise to
umu-shimisite (aba-) chemist
bowl
ubu-shinguro (fixed) board
iki-shingūwe (ibi-) stock (from
to favor, 3. to decide, 4. to make a
vow (old custom of putting stick in
ground as sign of agreement), 5. to
put stick in ground
international organisation
somewhere, to place somewhere, 2.
to establish
gu-shīngwa (-nzwe) to be agreed
umu-shiranzigo (aba-) kind person
upon, to be driven in ground (stake)
igi-shinwa Chinese language (from
umu-shinwa (aba-) Chinese person
(from Fr. chinois)
gu-shīnga (-nze) 1. to agree to, 2.
i-shirahamwe mpuzamakungu
gu-shiramo to accelerate
igi-shīmo (ibi-) gift of appreciation
i-shīmwe (i-) 1. praise, 2. gift of
thanks, 3. compliment
i-shirahamwe (ama-) association,
gushingūra)
Fr. chinois)
gu-shīmwa (-mwe) to be praised
good equilibrium (see impungenge)
gu-shiraho (-zeho) 1. to put
i-shimīzi (ama-) shirt (Fr. chemise)
igi-shimu (ibi-) hole in ground
gu-shira amazīnda to have a good
gu-shingūra (-ye) 1. to put away,
take away, 2. pull up stake, to pull
out, 3. to archive
gu-shimikira (-ye) to lean on
gu-shīmira (-ye) to praise for
fearless, 2. to be determined
gu-shingūka (-tse) to leave a place, gu-shira igikonyo to work with
to come out (stake)
zeal, earnestness
saltshaker, saltcellar
gushimikira)
almost over (night)
ijoro rishīra ubuca night is
almost over, about to dawn
gu-shīngirwa (-we) to be
accompanied to wedding (as bride
is)
duty, 2. to persist, to persevere, 3.
to hold strongly
i-shimikiro (ama-) support (from
ama-shira pus
gu-shinyagura (-ye) to treat with
anger, to laugh for nothing
gu-shinyagurira (-ye) 1. to abuse
(verbally), 2. to disgrace
aga-shinyaguro 1. disgrace, 2.
torture
gu-shinyanga (-nze) to grit one's
teeth to avoid showing pain
i-shinga continent
gu-shinyira (-ye) to laugh at, to
gu-shīnga amano 1. to run very
mock
fast, 2. to stand on tiptoe
gu-shinyiriza (-je) 1. to endure, 2.
gu-shīnga intahe to witness
to grit one's teeth to avoid crying
out in pain
umu-shire (imi-) worn out thing
gu-shiringitira (-ye) 1. to rub to
keep from swelling, 2. to be
consumed (e.g. candle)
gu-shirira (-ye) to put down for
gu-shīrīra (-ye) to run out bit by bit
till all gone
ubu-shiriro (no pl.) place of
destruction
gu-shirīsha (-shije) to use up,
finish, cause to put
gu-shiruka (-tse) ~ ubute to be
zealous, energetic, active, diligent
gu-shiruka amazinda to not have
doubt, be sure of oneself
88
gu-shiruka impungenge to have
vertigo, to feel dizzy
gu-shiruka umwete to be zealous
or energetic
umu-shītsi (imi-) 1. big
earthquake, 2. shaking, trembling
gushorerakw amaboko to take
hold of person
aga-shirukabute (udu-) 1. tip, 2.
bonus, 3. fee, 4. allowance
ubu-shizi bw'amanga fearlessness
(because one knows he is right)
hold of person
gu-shirukanya (-nye) to be
shameless, unafraid, bold
i-sho (ama-) flock, herd
igi-shōro (ibi-) tender new corn
ubu-sho (ama-) flock, herd
i-shu (ama-) cabbage (Fr. chou)
gu-shoboka (-tse) 1. to be
possible, to be feasible, 2. to be
probable
source
ubu-shirukanyi (no pl.) audacity
gu-shirwa (-zwe) 1. to not quit
without accomplishing a certain
thing, 2. to be convinced after proof
gu-shobokera (-ye) to be possible
or persuasion, to be satisfied, 3. to
for
be astonished, 4. to be put
gu-shisha (-she) 1. to be big, fat,
gu-shobora (-ye) 1. to be able, to
can, 2. to manage, to succeed
chubby 2. to be flourishing (of
growing things, child), 3. to be very gu-shoboza (-je) to enable
dirty, unpleasant, repulsive, 4. to tie
ubu-shobozi (no pl.) power,
beans to hedge to dry
ability, strength
umu-shishagu (imi-) welt
shōbuja (ba-) your master,
gu-shishagura (-ye) to beat, to
employer, boss
shell (as beans)
umu-shoferi (aba-) driver,
gu-shīshikara (-ye) 1. to strive, 2.
chauffeur
persist, persevere
gu-shohora (-ye) 1. to unstitch, 2.
gu-shīshikaza (-je) to encourage,
to penetrate, 3. to arrive
to exhort
ama-shōka middle of day
gu-shīshītira (-ye) to pat (child)
gu-shōka (-tse) 1. to do quickly
umu-shīshīto (imi-) stomach
(esp. used by Batwa), 2. to go to
drink (animals), 3. to slip down on
gu-shīshōza (-je) to verify what
spear (of meat they've put on tip – if
one has heard by asking many
it falls it's supposed to be diseased),
gu-shishwa (-shwe) to be
4. to fall accidentally on spear and
nauseated by repulsive thing
be injured
igi-shishwa (ibi-) peeling, bark
shiti except, unless
aga-shūhe (udu-) heat with high
humidity
ubu-shūhe (no pl.) 1. heat, 2. fever
gu-shūhiriza (-je) to heat at, for
i-shuka (ama-) bedsheet, sheet,
blanket
gu-shukwa (-kiwe) 1. to be
aroused, 2. to have an erection
i-shūle (ama-) school (from
German, Schule)
i-shūli (ama-) school (from
German, Schule)
gu-shūmba (-mvye) to serve (as a
servant)
umu-shūmba (aba-) servant
gu-shūmbira (-ye) to be servant to
gu-shūmbūsha (-shije) to
compensate
gu-shōnga (-nze) 1. to melt, 2. to
umu-shumi (imi-) leash
aga-shitsi (no pl.) 1. chill, 2.
umu-shōnge (imi-) house with
igi-shītsi (ibi-) 1. big earthquake,
gu-shūha (-she) to be hot
overthrow
dissolve
igi-shitsi (ibi-) stump, root
ama-shūha hot spring, thermal
in-shūmbūshanyo (in-)
compensation, that which replaces
what one has lost
umu-shombo (imi-) defeat,
gu-shitsa (-kije) to cause to arrive
trembling
guhīnda agashitsi to tremble,
shake, shiver, to have a chill
gu-shorerakw amaboko to take
high pointed roof
nda-shonje I'm hungry
gu-shōra (-ye) 1. to sell, 2. to lead
animals to drink
2. shaking, trembling
igi-shōrano (ibi-) merchandise
umu-shitsi (aba-) 1. guest, visitor,
gu-shorera (-ye) 1. to touch, 2. to
2. stranger
lead the cows
aga-shūngēre (utu-) house with
high pointed roof, steeple
gu-shungumirwa (-we) to be
angry because of accusation
gu-shunguruka (-tse) to fall or
jump from above, to tumble down,
fall in cascade
gu-shungurura (-ye) to throw
down from above
i-shūre (ama-) school
89
i-shūre nkuru college
i-shūri (ama-) school (from
German, Schule)
i-shūri (ama-) young bull
gu-shūrika (-tse) to bud, produce
si 1. it is not, 2. he, she is not, 3.
there is not
gu-sigara (-ye) to be left over
i-sigara (ama-) cigar
i-si (ama-) 1. earth, ground, 2.
world
gu-sigarana (-nye) to entrust to,
leave with
umu-si (imi-) day
uyumusi today
uyumusi uyumusi this very day
i-sigareti (ama-) cigarette
blossoms
gu-shūriza (-tse) to blossom, to
umu-si ur'izina on a certain day
(not food)
umu-si w'Imāna Sunday
gu-sigarira (-ye) 1. to remain in the
begin
aga-shūrurwe (no pl.) whirlwind
gu-shuruza (-je) to have diarrhea
i-shūrwe (ama-) flower
gu-shusha (-she) to look like
imi-si yose allways, alldays
gu-siba (-vye) 1. to lie fallow, to
cease to be used (path), 2. to
slander
gu-sība (-vye) 1. to be absent, 2. to
miss, to be short (lacking), 3. to
gu-shushānya (-nije) 1. to draw, 2. abstain
to picture, 3. to compare
umu-siba (imi-) earthworm
igi-shushānyo (ibi-) image, idol,
gu-sibana (-nye) to slander each
picture
other
aga-shusho (udu-) guy, fellow
gu-sibanganiza (-je) to blot out
i-shusho (ama-) image, likeness,
gu-sibanganya (-nije) 1. to blot
form
out, dig up, plough badly, 2. to fail
igi-shusho (ibi-) picture
to do one's task, 3. to neglect one's
work
gu-shūshwa (-hijwe) to be heated
gu-sībira (-ye) to stay for a time, to
gu-shūza (-rije) to begin, to do
stay at
first, to plant first
gu-sībīsha (-shije) 1. to retain, 2.
umu-shūzo (imi-) first fruits
to cause to be absent
gu-shwabāduka (-tse) to run out to
gu-sibūra (-ye) 1. to write over,
see something (usually of a crowd),
erase, 2. to clean out path
run from all sides
sida AIDS
gu-shwābūra (-ye) to harvest crop
gu-siduka (-tse) to slide (earth), to
i-shwābūra (ama-) harvest
collapse
gu-shūsha (-hije) to heat
i-shwagara (i-) lime
i-shwāro (ama-) watering can
gu-shwāshwānuka (-tse) to be
happy, in a good humor
gu-shwiragira (-ye) to scatter (vi)
(seeds from tree)
gu-shwiragiza (-je) to scatter (vt),
(esp. as seeds from tree)
ama-sigarira things left behind
place of, 2. to replace
gu-sigariza (-je) to leave for
gu-sigaza (-je) to leave over, to
leave a part of something, to cause
to be left
gu-sigazwa (-jwe) to be kept over,
left over
imi-sigazwa left overs
gu-sigira (-ye) to leave at, for
gu-sīgira (-ye) to rub at, for
gu-sigīsha (-shije) to cause to
leave
igi-sigo (ibi-) pain, constipation
gu-sigūra (-ye) 1. to explain, 2. to
preach
in-siguro (in-) 1. meaning, 2.
definition, 3. explanation (from
gusigūra)
gu-sigūza (-je) to demand
explanation
gu-sigūzanya (-nije) to ask each
other to explain
umu-sigūzi (aba-) exhorter,
preacher, one who explains
gu-siga (-ze) to leave behind
gu-sigwa (-zwe) to be left
gu-sīga (-ze) 1. to anoint, 2. to rub
(ointment), 3. to massage
anointed
igi-sīga (ibi-) 1. hawk, 2. falcon, 3.
i-siha (i-) cane rat
raptor, bird of prey
gu-sigaho (-zeho) to stop
gu-sīgwa (-zwe) to be rubbed,
igi-sīka (ibi-) 1. partition, 2. wall,
3. room in house
gu-sigana (-nye) to leave each
uru-sīka (in-) partition, wall, room
other
in house
gu-siganwa (-nwe) to race
90
igi-sikafu (ibi-) scarf
gu-sinzīra (-riye) to fall asleep
sīko isn't it? isn't that so?
gu-sinziriza (-je) to put to sleep,
cause to sleep
i-sima (i-) cement (Fr. ciment)
uru-sīma illness where abdomen
swells and fills with fluid
aga-sīmba (udu-) bug
umu-sipi (imi-) (Sw.) belt
gu-siribānga (-nze) 1. to trample,
stamp on, 2. to completely destroy
gu-sīmba (-mvye) to jump, to leap
gu-siribāngwa (-nzwe) 1. to be
destroyed, 2. to be trampled on
igi-simba (ibi-) ferocious animal
umu-sirigana (aba-) soldier
gu-simbagurika (-tse) 1. to jump,
umu-sirikāre (aba-) soldier,
leap, 2. to do or answer quickly
without thinking, 3. to pound
(heart)
gu-simbaguritsa (-kije) to cause to
jump, etc.
aga-simbo energetic men's dance
of the Buragane region
igi-sīmbo (ibi-) basket with tall
pointed top
uru-sīna illness where abdomen
swells and fills with fluid
i-sinagogi (ama-) synagogue
gu-sīnda (-nze) 1. to bully, 2. to
mistreat, 3. to vex, to annoy
ama-sinde ground dug up but not
planted
gu-sīndira (-ye) 1. to scold, 2. to
insult, 3. to mistreat
government official
gu-sita (-se) to strike against in
order to knock down (e.g. shake
dead tree in hole to break it loose)
i-sitimu (ama-) torch, flashlight
(from Sw.)
gu-situka (-tse) to fall down,
ama-so y’inyana eyes of a calf
(compliment describing the beauty
of a girl or woman)
ama-sōba urine (of humans)
gu-sōba (-vye) to urinate
gu-sobaganya (-nije) 1. to do
quickly, 2. to cook quickly (vt)
gu-sobana (-nye) to interlace,
intermingle, intertwine, entwine
gu-sobanganya (-nije) to
thoroughly mix up, interweave
gu-sobanuka (-tse) 1. to be
explained, 2. to be explicable, 3. to
be comprehensible, 4. to be sorted
out
gu-sobanura (-ye) 1. to explain,
interpret, 2. to sort out, to separate,
to disentangle
collapse (vi)
gu-sobanurira (-ye) 1. to explain
to
somebody, 2. to interpret for
gu-situkana (-nye) to collapse with
somebody
gu-situkira (-ye) to collapse on
in-sobanuro (in-) 1. explanation, 2.
gu-situra (-ye) to cause to fall in,
definition, 3. meaning
collapse, to pull out by roots
gu-sobanya (-nije) to interlace,
gu-siturwa (-we) 1. to cause to be
weave
absent, 2. to make late, 3. to
postpone, 4. to destroy the work of gu-sobanywa (-nijwe) to be
interwoven
another
gu-sīvya (-bije) 1. to postpone, 2.
gu-sōbōka (-tse) to go on tiptoe
provoked
to cause to be late, 3. to cause to be
absent, 4. to destroy the work of
another
(very softly)
i-sinema (i-) cinema, movie theater
sivyo isn't it? (answered by nivyo)
ibi-singosingo frown, showing
gu-sīza (-je) to prepare a place
disapproval on one's face
sō (ba-) father (of person spoken
to)
so wawe your father
so wanyu your paternal uncle
gu-sīndirwa (-we) to be insulted,
i-sīnzi (ama-) a great number
(about ten thousand and above)
umu-sīnzi (aba-) 1. bully, 2. fighter
ama-so 1. face, 2. eyes, (sg. ijisho)
umu-soda (aba-) soldier
i-sōgi (ama-) edible weed (for
greens)
i-sogisi (ama-) sock
uru-sōgo (in-) edible weed (for
greens)
sōgokuru (ba-) my, your, our
grandfather
gu-sinzikara (-ye) to suffer much
eye
gu-sinzikaza (-je) to cause to
urw'ama-so before others but not
suffer
in private (e.g. being nice to
someone)
to kill)
mu ma-so hiwe in his face
gu-sogōtwa (-swe) to be pierced
gu-sinzikazwa (-jwe) to be made to
suffer by
sōgokuruza (ba-) my, your, our,
91
ancestor
gu-sogōta (-se) to pierce (in order
gu-sohoka (-tse) to go outside, to
exit
ibi-sohoka expense, expenditure
igi-sokozo (ibi-) comb
igi-sōkōzo (ibi-) traditional riddle
loved by children
gu-sohokera (-ye) to go outside
uru-sokozo (in-) traditional large
for
comb
gu-sohora (-ye) 1. to take or put
outside, 2. to ejaculate, to cum
sōkuru my, your, our grandfather
ugu-sohora 1. expulsion, throwing
sōkuruza my, your, our ancestor
gu-songora (-ye) to sharpen to a
point, to be pointed
i-soni (i-) 1. shame, 2. respect, 3.
timidity, 4. bashfulness
gu-sonoroka (-tse) (Sw.) 1. to rip
(vi), 2. to come unsewed
gu-sōnza (-shonje) to be hungry
gu-sonzēsha (-sheje) to cause to
gu-soma (-mye) to read
go hungry
gu-sōma (-mye) 1. to kiss, 2. to
sip, or drink from a reed
imi-sore (no sg.) youth (with
negative connotation), youth mob
gu-sohorwa (-we) to be put
outside, to be thrown out, to be
dismissed, to be fired
umu-soma (imi-) pumpkin leaves
ubu-sore (no pl.) youth
gu-sōma nturi to drown
umu-sore (aba-) 1. adolescent, 2.
i-soko (ama-) market, general
gu-sōmagura (-ye) to kiss
marketplace
repeatedly, passionately
bachelor, unmarried young man,
(pl. also imisore, then with negative
connotation: youth mob)
i-sōko (ama-) fountain, spring,
somambike intimate friend, one
who shares his secrets or last food
with you
imi-soresore (no sg.) youth (with
out, 2. traditional ceremony on the
sixth day after a child's birth where
the baby is presented
source
umu-soko (imi-) long thing (esp.
stalk of bananas, etc.)
umu-sokōni (imi-) fig tree
gu-sokōra (-ye) to raise, draw, take
out
gu-sōkōrānya (-nye) to ask each
other riddles
igi-sokoro (ibi-) 1. gonorrhea, 2.
gu-sōmana (-nye) to kiss each
other
2. to provoke to fight
uru-soro (in-) shell (of gun)
i-somero (ama-) library
umu-sokoro (imi-) spears on big
2. to be drunk (passive)
uru-sokoro (in-) tiny bean pods
gu-sokoroka (-tse) to go out to a
certain place, to come out of
gu-sokorora (-ye) to take
something out to an appointed
place, to take out of, reveal
gu-sōmwa (-mwe) 1. to be kissed,
i-somwa (ama-) reading
igi-sōmwa (ibi-) text
in-somwa (in-) letter (of alphabet)
gu-sona (-nnye) to respect, revere
gu-sona (-nye) to sew (Sw.)
gu-soromera (-ye) to gather food
at, for
gu-soromēsha (-sheje) to cause to
gather food, to help to gather food,
to gather by means of
gu-sorora (-ye) to come up thickly
and thus not do well (of plants)
gu-sorōra (-ye) 1. to buy a thing
together and then divide it, 2. to
add to what one has
gu-sorōranya (-nije) 1. to gather
respected
up, 2. to bring things and put them
together to give to someone
i-sōnga (ama-) tip, point
i-sorōsoro (ama-) one by one
igi-sōnga (ibi-) tip, point
gu-sōsa (-se) 1. to taste good, have
good flavor, 2. to be sweet
raised
gu-sokoza (-je) to comb
gu-sōkōza (-je) to ask riddle
umu-sōnga (imi-) point, sharp
igi-sōkōzanyo (ibi-) story, riddle
gu-soroma (-mye) to gather food
from garden
gu-sonera (-ye) to honor, respect
gu-sonerwa (-we) to be honored,
gu-sokorwa (-we) to be taken out,
igi-soro (ibi-) traditional board
game for 2 players ('African chess')
gu-somboroza (-je) 1. to provoke,
2. to attack
gu-somōra (-ye) to dress a wound
umu-sokōro (imi-) marrow in bone
in-soresore (no sg.) youth (with
very negative connotation)
gu-sōmborotsa (-keje) 1. to attack,
information gained by
eavesdropping, 3. eavesdropper
reeds and grasses
negative connotation), youth gang,
youth mob
pain, pneumonia, pleurisy
92
igi-sōsa (ibi-) thing that tastes
ubu-sōsa delicious taste
igi-subiramuhira (ibi-) woman
who has left many husbands and
gone home and finally builds at
parent's home (same for a man)
habitually
ubu-sōse (no pl.) flavor, good
gu-subiramwo (-emwo) to repeat
gu-sukira (-ye) to pour at, for
gu-sōsera (-ye) to be of the flavor
Mushobora gusubiramwo?
Could you please repeat (this)?
together
of
ama-subirayo y'inyana about :00
gu-sōserwa (-we) to find good,
i-sosi (ama-) sauce
gu-subīza (-shubije) 1. to give
back, cause to return, 2. to put
back, 3. to result
i-sosiyete (i-) society, company
igi-subizo (ibi-) 1. response, reply,
good
taste
appetizing
igi-sukari (ibi-) red banana
gu-sukasuka (-tse) to deceive
gu-sukiranya (-nije) to add, to mix
gu-sukīsha (-shijwe) to cause to
pour, pour by means of
in-sukōni (in-) fig
umu-sukōni (imi-) fig tree
answer, 2. outcome, result
ga-suku (du-) parrot
umu-soso (imi-) muscle
gu-sūgereza (-je) to surround,
beseige (as in hunt or battle)
gu-sōtōra (-ye) 1. to tease, 2. to
pick a fight
i-suku (ama-) 1. hygiene, 2.
cleanliness, 3. care of something
(body, house, etc.)
beseiged
gu-sōtōrana (-nnye) to tease each
gu-sugurirwa (-we) 1. to be cross,
other
2. to be offended, 3. to fight (after
afterthought)
gu-sukura (-ye) to clean
ubu-sugurirwe (no pl.) anger (note
serve
ama-soso hair line (receding part)
i-soya soy
gu-sōza (-shoje) 1. to finish
weaving an article, 2. to row, to
paddle (boat)
umu-sōza (aba-) rower, oarsman
gu-sōzēra (-reye) to finish, to
complete
i-sozi (ama-) neck
igi-sozi (ibi-) very big hill, large
gu-sugerezwa (-shugerejwe) to be
umu-suku (aba-) 1. servant (male
above)
or female), 2. minister
gu-sukūrira (-ye) to be servant to,
i-suguru (ama-) ram
gu-sukwa (-tswe) 1. to be tempted,
2. to be poured
aga-sugurume (udu-) young male
gu-suma (-mye) to go to find food
goat
gu-suhūka (-tse) to emigrate, leave
one's country because of famine
gu-suhukira (-ye) to emigrate to
gu-sūma (-mye) to fall in cascade
(as waterfall)
igi-suma (ibi-) thief
umu-suma (aba-) 1. thief, 2.
mountain
imi-suhūko feeling better
robber, 3. burglar
imi-sozi elephantiasis
n'imi-suhūko I'm better, he's better
i-sumaku (i-) magnet
umu-sozi (imi-) hill, mountain
gu-suhūkuruka (-tse) to return to
one's country after famine is over
ugu-sumakura attraction
in-sumano (in-) groceries
i-stasiyoni (ama-) station
gu-suhūza (-je) 1. to visit the sick,
to visit the family of a deceased
person, etc. 2. to go to give things
to one whose house has burned
gu-subira (-ye) to return, to go
gu-suka (-tse) 1. to pour into, 2. to
back (other than where the speaker
is)
deceive, tempt one into something
and then leave him
gu-subīra (-riye) to repeat, to do
i-suka (ama-) hoe
igi-sozo (ibi-) blunder
umu-sōzo (imi-) hem, binding,
border (of basket)
again
tura-subira See you next time
(soon)
umu-sukanyi (aba-) liar, deceiver
i-sukari (no pl.) sugar
93
(magnetic)
uru-sumanyenzi (in-) 1. cliff from
which unmarried pregnant girls are
thrown, 2. pit, abyss
umu-sumāri (imi-) (Sw.) nail, pin
gu-sūmba (-mvye) to exceed, be
taller than
gu-sūmbana (-nye) to not be equal
in height or ability
gu-sūmbanya (-nije) to arrange
according to height or length
umu-sumbarembe (imi-) giraffe
ubu-sumbasumbane 1. inequality,
2. surface
i-sūmbazose (no pl.) middle finger
gu-sumburuka (-tse) to stand on
tiptoe
gu-sumburukwa (-tswe) to stand
on tiptoe to get something
gu-sūmbwa (-mbwe) to be
surpassed
umu-sumēno (imi-) saw
gu-sūmira (-ye) to take hold of
(culprit), to seize, to catch
gu-sūmirwa (-we) to be caught
stealing
ama-sumo place where food is
plentiful
i-sūmo (ama-) waterfall
ubu-sumo place where food is
plentiful
i-sumu acid
gu-sūmvya (-bije) to cause to
exceed, surpass
igi-sundi (ibi-) vagina
gu-sunūza (-je) to help to push, to
overturn
i-sūnzu (ama-) 1. topknot, bit of
gu-sūzuguza (-je) to criticize, find
hair on top of head, hair tuft, 2.
fault with
bunch of grass at top of hut, 3. crest
gu-sūzuma (-mye) 1. to examine,
of birds
2. auscultate
i-suparadra (ama-) adhesive tape,
ugu-sūzuma examination,
sticking plaster
inspection
i-supu (i-) soup
gu-sūzumīsha (-shije) to cause to
i-supu y'imboga vegetable soup
examine
gu-sura (-ze) to pass gas, to fart
gu-sūra (-ye) 1. to search carefully,
2. to spy on, 3. to watch for, 4. to
i-swa (no pl.) flying ants (edible)
scatter seeds or dirt by scratching as
umu-swa (imi-) 1. white ant, 2.
chicken does
termite
gu-surira (-ye) 1. to pass gas, to
fart, 2. to sting or bite (insect), 3. to gu-swāganya (-nye) to joke, say
things to make others laugh, to be
cause to feel badly
kidding
gu-sūrira (-ye) to search at, for
igi-swahiri Swahili language,
gu-sūriranya (-nije) to splash and
Kiswahili
tumble (water in river), to tear
gu-swera (-ye) to have sex, to have
along (as rain sweeps away
intercourse,
to fuck (only used of
everything), to dig out grass
men,
rude)
rapidly, to do quickly
gu-swerana (-nye) 1. to have sex
with
each other, to fuck each other
(leaves eaten during famine), 2.
(rude),
2. to have homosexual
women's dance celebrating the birth
intercourse
(rude)
of twins
igi-suru (ibi-) 1. kind of bush
gu-surura (-ye) to be in need
(having lost one's possessions)
gu-sunika (-tse) to push
umu-sururu (imi-) porridge
gu-sunikana (-nye) to push each
uru-surusuru (in-) thread
gu-sunikīsha (-shije) to cause or
help to push, push by means of
gu-sunira (-ye) to push at, for
gu-sūzumwa (-mwe) to be
examined
umu-sundi (imi-) vagina
other
aga-sūzuguro (udu-) criticism,
blame, fault, scorn
gu-susumira (-ye) to tremble (as
hands in grasping or result of
sickness)
gu-susuruka (-tse) to be
moderately hot
i-sunūnu (ama-) wart, mole
gu-susurutsa (-kije) to make hot
gu-sunura (-ye) to push violently
imi-suzi gas passed from body
gu-sunurana (-nye) to push each
other violently
umu-suzi (imi-) fart (rude)
gu-sunūrwa (-we) to be pushed
gu-sūzugura (-ye) to find fault
violently
with, despise, criticize
gu-swerana nk'imbwa to make
love like dogs, to have homosexual
intercourse (derogative)
gu-swerwa (-we) to have sex, to
have intercourse, to be fucked (only
used of women, rude)
umu-swezi (aba-) 1. sexually very
active person, 2. homosexual
person, gay person (from guswera)
ubu-swi (no pl.) very tiny baby
chicks
umu-swi (imi-) baby chick
gu-swingarara (-ye) feeling tipsy
i-swingi tipsyness (see
kwumva iswingi)
gu-sya (-seye) to grind
94
in-sya (in-) grinding
i-tābi (ama-) 1. tobacco, 2. cigarette
in-sya z'amēnyo grinding teeth
gu-tabira (-ye) to fertilize
aga-syanyama (udu-) grinder,
in-tabire (in-) fertilizer
mincer
aga-tabo (idu-) small book,
gu-syēgenya (-nye) 1. to scrape
feet on floor (esp. because of
itching), 2. to kick violently (child)
gu-syēsha (-sheje) to cause to
grind
ama-ta milk
gu-ta (-tāye) 1. to throw away, to
throw, to discard, 2. to lose
in-tāhe (in-) witness, judgment,
oath
igi-tabo (ibi-) 1. book, 2. altar,
place to offer to the gods
uru-tāhe (in-) wire (coarse)
aga-tabo k'amasheki cheque book
uru-tabonwa (in-) jewel, gem
ibi-tabu bits of pieces of paper or
T
in-tahava (in-) permanent thing
(stays in family)
booklet
(see isheki)
uru-syo (in-) grinding stone
gu-tāhana (-nye) to go home
together, to take home
cloth
igi-tabu (ibi-) book (Sw. kitabu)
gu-tabuka (-tse) to tear (vi)
i-tabuliyeri apron (Fr. tablier)
udu-ta little milk (from amata)
gu-tabura (-ye) to tear (vt)
gu-ta agati to refuse absolutely,
gu-tabwa (-bwe) to be prepared for
categorically
building
gu-ta amagi to lay eggs
gu-tābwa (-we) to be thrown away
gu-taba (-vye) 1. to dig up the
in-tābwa (in-) 1. orphan, 2.
earth, 2. to prepare a place for
building, 3. to level
unwanted child, 3. abandoned wife
in-tābwīrwa (in-) 1. disobedient
gu-tabagura (-ye) 1. to rend, 2. to
devour, 3. tear in pieces
person, 2. headstrong, stubborn
person
gu-tabāra (-ye) 1. to help without
expectation of reward, willingly, 2.
to help in battle
i-tafāri (ama-) brick
umu-tāga (imi-) daytime, esp. near
i-tahīriro (ama-) end, finality,
residence
gu-tahiriza (-je) to greet for
gu-tāhūka (-tse) to be
understandable
gu-tāhūra (-ye) to understand
ndabi-tāhūra I don't understand
gu-tāhūrwa (-we) to be understood
gu-tāhūza (-je) to cause to
understand
aga-taka (no pl.) soil, earth
gu-taka (-tse) to call for help
gu-takāmba (-mvye) to call loudly
for help
gu-takāmbira (-ye) to call loudly
for help
gu-takara (-ye) to be lost
gu-takaza (-je) to lose, cause to be
lost
moon (from German: Tag)
gu-takira (-ye) to cry out
for help
ugu-tabāra first aid
gu-tagara (-ye) 1. to not accept
judgment rendered, 2. to not accept
helpful suggestions
gu-tabarara (-ye) to be wide, to
umu-tagare (imi-) big spreading
take up space, to put out big
spreading branches
tree (certain kind)
in-tabarirwa (in-) 1. one who
unashamed, 2. to be rude, vulgar,
obtrusive, coarse
n-tabāra 1. help!, 2. please! (from
gutabāra)
ku-tagira isoni 1. to be shameless,
gu-takīsha (-shije) to cause to cry
i-tako (ama-) buttocks, thighs
in-takonywa (in-) 1. stubborn
person (lit. 'who will not be bent',
from kugōnda), 2. extremist
tagisi taxicab
gu-tama (-mye) 1. to be utterly
worn out, to be exhausted, 2. to
labor hard, to overwork
gu-tāha (-she) to go home, to leave
gu-tāma (-mye) to grow old
gu-tabāza (-je) to call for help
uk'umwaka utashe at the end of
every year
i-tama (ama-) cheek
umu-tabāzi (aba-) helper, defender
gu-tāha ubukwe to go to wedding
doesn't do as he hears he should, 2.
disobedient child
gu-tabāruka (-tse) to return from
war, from giving aid, to be at rest
feast
95
kwitangira itama put one's face in
one's hands in deep thought
in-tāma (in-) sheep
in-tāmbwe (in-) lion
umu-tāma (aba-) old man
ubu-tame (no pl.) weariness
umu-tāmakazi (aba-) old woman
uku-tamera aridness (of land),
umu-tamana (imi-) outer garment
gu-tamānzuka (-tse) to become
light suddenly (early morning just
as darkness ends, or after eclipse)
gu-tamānzura (-ye) to become
light suddenly (early morning just
as darkness ends, or after eclipse)
gu-tāmba (-mvye) to dance (see
also kwītāmba)
igi-tambamboga (ibi-) child
(before he begins to know anything)
gu-tāmbana (-nye) to dance
together
igi-tāmbara (ibi-) 1. cloth (over
barrenness, drought
gu-tānga (-nze) 1. to offer, pay,
give, submit, offer, proffer, hand in,
send in, put forward, 2. precede, be
ahead of, to arrive before, 3. to die
(of king)
gutamya)
igi-tanga (ibi-) tick that causes
recurrent fever
vyan-tamije I can't do it! (from
gu-tamika (-tse) to put in the
in-tānga (in-) semen, sperm
mouth of
umu-tānga (imi-) 1. middle of lake
gu-tamira (-ye) 1. to swallow, 2. to
or river, 2. kind of gourd
take a mouthful
bi-tangāje fantastic, astounding,
amazing, astonishing, bewildering,
stunning, breathtaking, sensational,
remarkable, spectacular,
extraordinary, wonderful,
marvelous (from gutangāza)
gu-tāmirana (-nye) to smell nice
gu-tamirwa (-we) to be swallowed,
put in mouth
gu-tamiza (-je) to tire out, wear out
(vt)
in-tangamarāra (in-) first of
gu-tamya (-mije) 1. to exhaust, 2.
shoulder), 2. shawl
to weary, 3. to be beyond what one
can do
in-tāmbara (in-) 1. battle, strife, 2.
gu-tāna (-nye) 1. to go separate
ways, 2. to bring loss or failure, 3.
to be unsuccessful, 4. to be unable
igi-tāmbara c'ikigoma (ibi-) plaid
to do what one attempts, 5. to lose
aga-tambaro (udu-) (small or piece one another
of) cloth
gu-tanaga (-ze) to feather an arrow
war, armed conflict
anything
i-tanganyika (ama-) lake
gu-tangāra (-ye) to marvel, to be
astonished, to be amazed, to be
astounded
gu-tangārira (-ye) 1. to admire, 2.
to marvel at
in-tangāro (in-) within the kraal,
courtyard
gu-tambika (-tse) to dawn
gu-tanakw ibirake to accuse each
gu-tāmbira (-ye) to dance in honor
other of spoiling a plan
of
igi-tanda (ibi-) (Sw.) bed
gu-tangāza (-je) 1. to amaze,
astound, astonish, 2. to surprise, 3.
to impress
igi-tāndara (ibi-) big stone
igi-tangāza (ibi-) miracle,
gu-tāmbīsha (-shije) to cause to
dance
in-tāmbo (in-) dance
gu-tambuka (-tse) 1. to advance, 2.
to step, stride over
gu-tambukana (-nye) to walk
together
gu-tambukira (-ye) to stride over
in-tambuko (in-) step
gu-tāmbūra (-ye) to be near death
gu-tambutsa (-kije) to cause to
step, stride
i-tāmbwe (ama-) measure (by hand
or by steps)
in-tandara (in-) epilepsy
uru-tāndara (in-) big stone
--tandatu (adj.) six
ga-tandatu (adj.) six times
gu-tandukāna (-nye) 1. to separate
(vi), 2. to cut off, chop off, sever,
slice off, amputate, hack off, 3. to
disconnect, 4. to part with, 5. to be
different, be distinct
i-tandukāniro (ama-) separating
thing, distinction, difference
gu-tandukānya (-nije) 1. to
separate (vt), 2. to distinguish
96
astonishing thing, marvel
gu-tangāzwa (-jwe) to be amazed,
astounded
i-tangi (i-) tank (water)
gu-tangīra (-riye) 1. to hinder, 2. to
close or block path, 3. to dam up
gu-tangīra (-ye) 1. to precede, 2. to
begin, to start
gu-tangīrana (-nye) to bar the path
for each other
gu-tangīrira (-ye) to bar passage at,
for
gu-tāngirira (-ye) to give for
gu-tangīriza (-je) to cause to bar
passage, to bar passage with
gu-tara (-ze) 1. to be late (of rains),
to not fall, 2. to put near fire to dry,
scorch or roast, 3. to put beer in a
gu-tangīrwa (-riwe) to be hindered, warm place, 4. to argue and swear
have passage barred
that you're right, 5. to take one's
case to chief knowing you're right
gu-tāngīsha (-shije) to cause to
give
gu-tāra (-ye) to get food for oneself
aga-tāsi (no pl.) season of early
rains
umu-tasi (aba-) spy
umu-tāsi (aba-) 1. complainer,
grumbler, 2. troublemaker
inaugurate, 3. to cause to begin, 4.
to start something
i-tara (ama-) 1. lamp, lantern, 2.
gu-tāsura (-ye) to begin to rain
(after dry season)
light (not natural daylight)
gu-tata (-se) to spy
in-tango (in-) beginning
in-tāra (in-) country, region,
province
gu-tāta (-se) 1. to complain, 2. to
scold, 3. to discuss, 4. to disagree,
5. to conflict
gu-tangīza (-je) 1. to initiate, 2. to
in-tāngo (in-) very large pot
igi-tangu (ibi-) tick that causes
umu-tāra (imi-) 1. umbrella, 2.
crude rain shelter
fever
uru-tara (in-) under a bed
gu-tātirwa (-we) to be scolded,
start to, 2. to approach (a lesson)
gu-taragurika (-tse) to refuse to
listen (almost like a crazy person)
reproached
gu-tangura ishule to start school
gu-tangura (-ye) 1. to begin to, to
gu-tātira (-ye) to complain to
--tatu (adj.) three
gu-taramuka (-tse) 1. to withdraw
gatatu three times
(1.grade)
from room, 2. be raised
ga-tatu (adj.) three times
gu-tangurana (-nye) to begin
gu-taramura (-ye) 1. to send one
out of the room, 2. to reach up
gu-tātūka (-tse) 1. to separate from
together
gu-tanguranwa (-nwe) to race
fighting (vi), 2. to be in agreement
gu-tātūra (-ye) to separate fighters
gu-tangurira (-ye) to begin at, for
gu-tarataza (-je) to try over and
over in several places and ways
i-tanguriro (ama-) beginning,
igi-tare (ibi-) any white thing,
foundation
whiteness
walk
igi-tangurirwa (ibi-) 1. spider, 2.
in-tare (in-) lion
thank
spider web
ubu-tare (no pl.) metal ore
ama-tāzīrano praises
in-tanguro (in-) beginning
uru-tare (in-) hard packed earth,
rock
--te (adv.) how?
gu-tāngwa (-nzwe) to be given,
paid
umu-tāri (imi-) dazzling brightness
gu-tantamuka (-tse) to tear, rip up
(sun, moon)
ama-te saliva
(vi)
gu-tarika (-tse) 1. to put up (e.g.
bi-te 1. how are things? how is it
going? 2. hello, hi (informal
greeting)
in-tavyi (in-) child beginning to
gu-tāzīra (-ye) 1. to praise, 2. to
gu-tantamura (-ye) to tear, rip up
arms), 2. to suspend
(vt)
i-tariki (ama-) date (of month)
--tānu (adj.) five
igi-tarikwa (ibi-) 1. bridge, 2.
te how? (in questions only)
gu-te What's up? How is it?
(informal greeting among friends)
gatanu five times
scaffolding
ga-tānu (adj.) five times
ibi-tāro dispensary, hospital
ubu-te (no pl.) indifference,
negligence, laziness
i-tanure (ama-) furnace, kiln
uru-taro (in-) fan (to blow out
chaff)
gu-te none What's up? How is it?
gu-tānya (-nije) 1. to separate, to
(informal greeting among friends)
detach, 2. to divide, 3. to isolate, 4. gu-tarwa (-zwe) to be roasted
send workers some to one place and
gu-tāsha (-hije) to greet (for
some to another, to cut or split
another)
gu-tapfuna (-nnye) to chew
in-tashīma (in-) ungrateful person
97
gu-teba (-vye) 1. to be late, 2. to
stay long, 3. to delay, 4. to lack
gu-tebagana (-nye) to be late
(slightly)
in-tebe (in-) chair, stool
gu-tegēra (-reye) 1. to think over,
to understand, 2. to go to meet, to
wait for
gu-tēkereza (-je) to be meek, mild,
well-behaved
gu-tebera (-ye) to be late at, for
gu-tegēranya (-nije) 1. to talk
wrapped up
igi-tēbo (ibi-) huge basket, woven
over, 2. to come to an agreement
stretcher, raft
gu-tegereza (-je) 1. to understand
gu-tebūka (-tse) to hurry (to go
after thinking over, 2. to cause to
understand, 3. to wait for someone
expected
multitude
gu-tegerezwa (-jwe) to be
gu-tēkwa (-tswe) to be cooked
required, to be obliged
ubu-tegetsi power
igi-tekwa (ibi-) any food that needs
to be cooked
umu-tegetsi (aba-) 1.
i-telefone (i-) telephone
administrator, 2. commander, 3.
ruler, 4. dictator, 5. head, leader
(from gutegeka)
gu-tema (-mye) to cut grass, tree
gu-tebana (-nye) to keep too long
and return)
gu-tebūkana (-nye) to bring or
take quickly
gu-tebūtsa (-kije) to do quickly
gu-tega (-ze) 1. to hinder, to
hamper, to impede, to obstruct, to
prevent, 2. to trap, 3. to bet, 4. to be
flat, level
gu-tēga (-ze) to receive
gu-tēkerwa (-we) to be tied,
gu-tēkēsha (-sheje) to cause to
cook, cook with
in-tēko (in-) group (esp. of people),
igi-tema (ibi-) the pain from
(physically)
umu-tego (imi-) trap, snare
tropical ulcer (one that develops
rapidly)
ibi-tēga something supposed to be
gu-tegūra (-ye) 1. to prepare, 2. to
gu-temagura (-ye) to cut up small
in a person making him sick
indwara y'ibitega person is
bewitched and acts like a crazy
person
organize, 3. to plan
as reeds, boards, etc.
i-tegūra (ama-) tile
gu-tegurika (-tse) to be prepared
gu-tēmba (-vye) 1. to fall, flow,
run (as water), 2. to be sloping
igi-tega (ibi-) plain, flat area
in-teguro (in-) 1. preparation, plan,
gu-tembagara (-ye) to roll (vi)
2. ornament
gu-tembagaza (-je) to knock over,
gu-tegūrwa (-we) to be prepared
to roll over (vt)
away for future use
gu-tegūza (-je) to cause to prepare
gu-tembagazwa (-jwe) to be
rolled, knocked over
gu-teganya (-nyije) 1. to
anticipate, 2. to prepare, 3. to plan
in-tegūza (in-) one who prepares
for another
gu-tēmbera (-ye) to flow into
in-tege (in-) 1. calf of leg, back of
gu-tēka (-tse) to cook (vt) in water
tega iminwe hold out your hands
in-tegakiba (in-) something put
knee 2. strength
in-tege nke weakness
gu-tegeka (-tse) 1. to command, 2.
to enforce the law
gu-tegekanishwa (-shijwe) to be
obliged to adopt the less desirable
of two plans
gu-tēgekanya (-nije) 1. to hesitate
between two actions, 2. to have
several plans of what to do so that
at least one will please the other
people, 3. to have two methods of
defending yourself, but use the one
you hadn't planned on
i-tegeko (ama-) 1. command, 2.
law, 3. rule
i-tēka (ama-) 1. law, decree, order,
gu-tēmbēra (-reye) 1. to move
about, to travel around, to go for a
walk (Sw.), 2. to visit
2. judgment, justice, 3. (pl.)
amateka word (or commands) sent
out by king and spread by chiefs,
subchiefs, etc., 4. prescription
around
umu-tēkano (no pl.) security
around
ubu-tēkānyi (no pl.) peace, calm,
aga-tēmbwe (no pl.) cliff, steep
ugu-tēmbēra circulation, going
gu-tēmbēreza (-je) to cause to go
quiet
place
i-teke (ama-) small edible root
umu-temere (imi-) cover, lid (esp.
similar to yams
gu-tēkera (-ye) 1. to tie up a
bundle, 2. to prepare things for a
trip
gu-tēkerera (-ye) 1. to tie up for, 2.
prepare things for trip
98
of basket)
gu-temēsha (-sheje) to cut with,
cause to cut
gu-temuka (-tse) 1. to cut easily
(vi), 2. to burn easily, quickly, 3. to
burn and break off (as tree), log
(vi), 4. to slide (earth)
gu-temura (-ye) to cut with one
blow
gu-tēmvya (-beje) to cause to fall
gu-temwa (-mwe) to be cut (grass,
etc.)
in-tendēri (in-) gourd (used as
object of worship)
igi-tenge (ibi-) wrap skirt
gu-tēngengera (-ye) to produce
heavily or abundantly
gu-tēragira (-ye) to help plant
(throw in the beans as other lifts
soil)
gu-tēragiza (-je) to cause to or help
to plant
ama-terere buttermilk
gu-terama (-mye) to watch
ama-tererwa skimmed milk
gu-teramika (-tse) to cause to
umu-teretsi (aba-) one in charge of
watch
food at a feast
gu-teramira (-ye) to watch over
ubu-tēri uninhabited place
bwa-teramye after dark (from
ubu-tēritēri uninhabited place
guterama)
igi-tēro (ibi-) 1. legion, division, 2.
umu-teramyi (aba-) watchman
assault
gu-tērana (-nye) to meet together,
gu-terura (-ye) 1. to lift up, 2. to
carry, 3. to rape
gu-tēngerera (-ye) to be loaded
with fruit or grain (tree, stalk)
mix (vi)
aga-tēngo (no pl.) trembling
i-tēraniro (ama-) joint, meeting
(because of fear), great fear
gu-tengūrira (-ye) to prepare at, for
gu-tenyēnya (-nye) to investigate
gu-teranūka (-tse) to separate (vi)
gu-tēranura (-ye) to separate (vt)
carefully a wrong
gu-tēranura umunwa to open the
gu-tenzēkanya (-nye) 1. to lose
interest, 2. to not keep at the job
faithfully
gu-teranūrwa (-we) to be separated
gu-tenzukirwa (-we) to begin to
feel better after being ill
mouth
gu-tēranya (-nije) 1. to bring
together, 2. to throw at each other,
3. to add, 4. to join
slacken, release partially
gu-tēraterana (-nye) to come one
by one till there are many
gu-tēra (-ye) 1. to throw, to cast, to
in-tere 1. unconsciousness, 2. half-
gu-tenzūra (-ye) to be negligent,
gu-tērēra (-ye) 1. to put together to
produce food for guests, 2. to help
one another in loaning what is
needed
gu-terūrira (-ye) to lift up at, for,
because of
gu-terūrwa (-we) to be lifted up
gu-terūza (-je) to cause to lift up,
lift up by means of
gu-tērwa (-we) 1. to be thrown, 2.
to be planted, 3. to be caused, 4. to
receive (passive form of gutera)
igi-tērwa (ibi-) plant (lit. something
planted)
gu-tēsha (-sheje) 1. to hinder, 2. to
cause to lose, 3. to deprive, 4. to
inconvenience, to embarrass
fling, 2. to plant, 3. to cause,
prompt, trigger, bring on, lead to
dead
gu-tēshwa (-shejwe) to be
i-terefone (i-) telephone
hindered
gu-tēra igise to make an effort (at
gu-tereka (-tse) 1. to put a thing in
aga-tete (udu-) a single grain
childbirth)
its certain place, to put on the
ground, 2. to deposit, 3. to offer
gift, 4. to move something to
another place
aga-tēte (udu-) 1. pieces of a
certain kind of grass used for
weaving, 2. bits of things used by
witch doctor to divine
gu-tēra imbere to go forward, to
make progress (see imbere)
gu-tēra ipasi to iron (clothes)
gu-tēra ubwōba to make afraid, to
frighten, to scare
gu-tēra umugere to kick (see
gu-terekana (-nye) to put down
together
gu-terekēra (-ye) 1. to offer to
umugere)
spirits, 2. to worship spirits or
Kiranga
gu-terabiri (yateyabiri) to chat,
igi-tereko (ibi-) 1. place prepared
visit
to put anything, 2. lamp stand
gu-terera (-ye) 1. to churn, 2. to
make butter, 3. to throw at
99
in-tete (in-) grain, seed
n'in-tete not a bit
uru-tete (in-) grain, seed
gu-tēteka (-tse) to make another
feel badly over something he's
done, to be easily deceived or
mocked
gu-tetemera (-ye) to tremble (of
hands, from cold or fever, fear)
igi-ti (ibi-) 1. tree, 2. strong stick, 3. umu-timbo (aba-) traditional
rank, position
drummer "one who hits hard"
gu-tetemēsha (-sheje) to cause to
umu-ti (imi-) 1. medicine, medical
gu-timvya (-bije) to benumb, make
tremble
drug, medication, 2. cure
numb
gu-tetemēshwa (-shejwe) to be
caused to tremble
uru-ti (in-) 1. column, pillar 2. shaft gu-tinda (-nze) to be late, to finish
(of a spear)
by...
gu-tetera (-ye) 1. to be thoroughly
drenched and cold, 2. to be drawn
up from cold or being burnt, 3. to
dry up and be stiff (food, clothes),
4. to be burnt (of food forgotten), 5.
to be very healthy or strong, 6. to
be solid, 7. to be dry
aga-ti bashirako igera fishing rod
gu-tētera (-ye) to be absolutely full
to brim
gu-tētera (-ye) to bleed to death
gu-tetereza (-je) to humiliate
gu-tētērwa (-rewe) 1. to be made
fun of, 2. to be humiliated, 3. to be
speechless with shame or fear, 4. to
be disconcerted
gu-teteza (-je) to dry (esp. with
fire, as corn or grain)
umu-tetsi (aba-) cook
gu-tēturura (-ye) to speak in
someone's favor, to defend
gu-tevya (-beje) to cause to be late
bi-tēye ubwōba horrible
gu-tēza (-je) to help to plant, to
throw or cause by means of
igi-tēza (ibi-) creeping vine (almost
impossible to kill)
gu-tezēkanya (-nye) 1. to lose
interest, 2. to not keep at the job
faithfully
gu-tēzūra (-ye) to fail to keep one's
promise, to let go of what you've
started to take or do, to lose interest
--ti says (verb without infinitive)
ati he, she says
avug'ati he, she says that
a-ti he, she says (from -ti)
aga-ti (udu-) twig, little stick
uru-ti rw'umugongo backbone
umu-tīndi (aba-) unfortunate
person
gu-tibuka (-tse) to fall from above
gu-tingana (-nze) to act
homosexually, to perform
homosexual acts
tifusi typhus
umu-tinganyi (aba-) homosexual
igi-tiba (ibi-) bee hive
person, gay
igi-tigiri (ibi-) number (of things)
umu-tigiri (imi-) class of objects,
class of nouns
gu-tīnya (-nye) 1. to fear, 2. to be
timid
gu-tīnyana (-nye) to fear each
gu-tigita (-se) to shake, to tremble
(vi) (as earth)
other
ubu-tīnyānka (no pl.)
gu-tigitīsha (-shije) to cause to
shake
menstruation, illness of women
(hemorrhage)
igi-tigu (ibi-) liver
umu-tinyi (aba-) coward
gu-tika (-tse) to tell fairy tales
(stories passed down from long
ago)
igi-tīnyiro (ibi-) that which is
i-tike (ama-) ticket
gu-tikira (-ye) to perish, be
destroyed
feared or respected
gu-tīnyīsha (-shije) to frighten
gu-tīnyūka (-tse) to dare, be
fearless
gu-tīnywa (-nywe) to be feared
gu-tikiza (-je) to destroy,
exterminate
igi-tiko (ibi-) fairy story
umu-tima (imi-) heart
umu-tima ukeye pure, kind heart
gu-timba (-mvye) 1. to not feel
gu-tīra (-ze) to borrow (money or a
thing which will itself be returned)
gu-tirigana (-nye) to dislocate
(either parts of body, or other
things) (vi)
gu-tiriganya (-nije) to dislocate (vt)
anything, to be numb, 2. pay no
attention to anything
aga-tirigōngo (udu-) backbone,
vertebral column
gu-tīmba (-mvye) to be damp,
cold, chilled
uru-tirigōngo (in-) backbone,
vertebral column (from
uruti rw'umugōngo)
in-timba (in-) 1. sadness, 2. sorrow,
3. grief
gu-tīrira (-ye) to borrow for,
gucurira intimba to sing (or play) because of
sad song
igi-tiritiri (ibi-) corn cob
in-tīmbatīmba (in-) thickness,
diameter
100
gu-tīriza (-je) to lend for, in the
place of
i-tiro (no pl.) sleep, sleepiness
in-tirobwa (in-) zucchini, courgette
igi-tito (ibi-) singing, sung legend
or story
gu-tītūka (-tse) to be despised,
despicable, to be worn out (of soil),
no longer produce
gu-tōbōra (-ye) to pick (peas,
beans, berries) but not pull up
vines
line
gu-toborera (-ye) to pierce at, for
(vt)
gu-tōbōrera (-ye) to pick (peas,
beans, etc.) for, at
2. to list, (vt)
in-toboro (in-) hole (in paper,
aga-tōndo (idu-) early morning
cloth, container)
gu-toborwa (-we) to be pierced
gu-tītūra (-ye) 1. to hate, despise,
umu-tobotobo (imi-) thorn tree
2. to disillusion, 3. to cause people
to hate that which they had liked, 4.
to lose original force, to weaken
with yellow balls
gu-toboza (-je) to cause to pierce,
gu-tondekana (-nye) to march in a
gu-tōndekanya (-nije) to line up
gu-tōndēsha (-sheje) 1. to line up,
igi-tōndo (ibi-) morning
gu-toneka (-tse) to hit a sore place
gu-tonekara (-ye) 1. to be sore
(from wound), 2. to hurt (vi)
pierce with
in-tonga (in-) big basket
gu-tōbōza (-je) to cause to pick,
gu-tongana (-nye) to quarrel
pick with
in-tongāngira (in-) wart
gu-tonganira (-ye) to quarrel about
which will itself be returned)
i-toci (ama-) torch, flashlight (from
Fr. torche)
gu-tīzwa (-jijwe) to be loaned
in-tofanyi (in-) white potato (from
gu-tītūza (-je) to cause to lose
original force, to cause to
disillusion
gu-tīza (-je) to lend, loan (that
German Kartoffel)
--to (adj.) 1. small, little, 2. young,
3. thin
gu-togotesha (-sheje) to simmer
igi-to concrete
gu-tōha (-she) to send forth shoots,
ubu-to (no pl.) childhood
to become green (as grass when
rain begins)
--tō-to (adj.) 1. small, little, 2.
gu-tōhera (-ye) see gutōha
young, 3. thin
igi-tōke (ibi-) banana tree, banana,
umu-tobe (imi-) juice
plantain
umu-tobe w'ibitoki banana juice
uru-toke (in-) finger
umu-tobe w'icamwa fruit juice
uru-tōke (in-) banana plantation,
gu-tobeka (-tse) to have dirt in (as
water or milk)
gu-tobekeranīsha (-shije) to pierce
with
banana farm
ibi-tōke vyokeje roasted bananas
(see also -okeje)
igi-tōki (ibi-) banana tree, banana
gu-tobekeranya (-nije) to pierce
i-tomati tomato
through, to speak clearly, distinctly,
gu-tona (-nnye) to be favourite
understandably
imi-tongano quarrels
gu-tonganya (-nije) 1. to dispute,
2. to quarrel, 3. to chide, to scold
in-tonganya (in-) quarrel
i-tōngo (ama-) 1. cultivated field,
2. property, 3. real estate
i-tōngo ry'abapfu cemetery,
graveyard
gu-tōngōka (-tse) 1. to perish, 2. to
be consumed
gu-tōngōra (-ye) 1. to consume
(fire), 2. to take away completely,
3. to cut down trees left after fire
has passed over
gu-tongoza (-je) 1. to leave grass
and stuff growing in rugo, 2. to let
hair grow long, 3. to lend
something and not get it back soon,
4. to entrust something to another
and it increases while there
gu-toboka (-tse) to get a hole in
gu-tonagura (-ye) to beat
ubu-toni (no pl.) favor, favoritism
gu-tobora (-ye) 1. to pierce, make
gu-tōnda (-nze) to stand in line, to
line up (vi)
umu-toni (aba-) favorite (from
a hole, 2. to speak distinctly, 3. to
be straight-forward, to have nothing i-tonde (ama-) nostril, nose
to hide, 4. to hear well, 5. to
uru-tonde (in-) list, queue
complete a thing
gutona)
gu-tonora (-ye) to shell, to husk
(peas, beans, peanuts, etc.)
gu-tōndeka (-tse) to list, enumerate gu-tonorera (-ye) to shell at, for
101
gu-tonoza (-je) to cause to shell
igi-toro (ibi-) 1. fuel, petrol,
petroleum, 2. cartridge, cartridge
case
--tonya (adj.) small, little, young
igi-toro ca essence petrol, benzin
igi-totsi (ibi-) foreign article (in
eye, milk, water)
gu-tōnyānga (-nze) to drip, to
igi-toro c‘amazutu diesel
igi-tovu (ibi-) thistle
in-torobwa (in-) ovary of flower
--toya (adj.) small, little, young
gu-toroka (-tse) to escape (e.g. as
prisoner)
mu-toyi (ba-) younger brother of
boy, younger sister of girl
gu-torora (-ye) to gather up little
sticks, to glean
gu-tōza (-je) to select a person to
sell a thing or to bring tax
gu-tōza (-jeje) to finish (vt)
gu-tonyanza (-ngije) to cause to
gu-tororokanya (-nije) 1. to come
one by one, to add to little by little,
2. put together, gather up, collect
fall drop by drop
ugu-tororokanya collection,
udu-tonzi feeler, antenna (of
putting together, adding together
insect)
i-toroshi (ama-) torch, flashlight
gu-tōra (-ye) 1. to choose, to elect,
(from Fr. torche)
gu-tonorwa (-we) to be shelled
trickle
i-tōnyānga drop
igi-tōnyānga (ibi-) drop of liquid
(pl. also amatōnyānga)
ama-tōnyānga y'imvura raindrops
gu-tōnyāngiriza (-je) to let fall
drop by drop
to vote, 2. to invite, 3. to pick up, to gu-tōrwa (-we) to be chosen,
pick, 4. to adopt (habit)
picked up
umu-toto (imi-) banana leaf (when
green)
umu-tōza (aba-) 1. headman, 2.
coach, trainer, 3. tax collector (old)
umu-tōzakōri (aba-) tax collector,
tax official
in-tozi (in-) pincher ant
uru-tozi pincher ant
in-tozo (in-) hunting dog
i-tora (ama-) vote, (pl.) elections
gu-tosekara (-ye) to get something
gu-tōragura (-ye) to pick up here
in eye
umu-tsi (imi-) 1. blood vessel, 2.
nerve, 3. muscle, 4. tendon
and there
gu-tosekaza (-je) to fall in eye,
gu-tsiba (-vye) to weave, plait
gu-tōragurwa (-we) to be picked
hurt eye
up (wood)
gu-tosōra (-ye) to remove a
in-toraguzo (in-) axe
foreign article from eye (or, from
water, milk)
gu-tōrana (-nye) to choose each
igi-tsibo (ibi-) crown (woven or
plaited), rope
ama-tsiko curiosity, interest
gu-tosōrwa (-we) to have article
umu-tsima (imi-) local kind of
taken from eye
bread, made of corn or manioc
gu-tota (-se) 1. to sprinkle
umu-tsima w'ivyamwa jam, jelly,
'medicine' around to protect from
evil, 2. to be saturated
marmalade
in-tore (in-) 1. plant with fruit like
eggplant, aubergine, 2. lump of
bread
gu-tōta (-se) 1. to go along right in
other
gu-tōranya (-nije) 1. to choose, 2.
to appoint to a task
in-tōre (in-) 1. dancer, 2. youth, 3.
path (of animals), 2. to not be sidetracked
traditional young warrior, 2.
handsomeness and good character
gu-totahara (-ye) to be lush and
uru-tore eggplant, aubergine
gu-tōrera (-ye) to choose, pick up
at, for
aga-tōrero (udu-) chicken's crop
i-torero (ama-) list of chosen ones,
church roll
gu-toreza (-je) to collect (taxes)
green
gu-totera (-ye) to put ground
peanuts in food
i-tsina (ama-) (gram.) root or stem
of word
igi-tsina (ibi-) 1. base of tree, 2.
sex, gender
gu-tsīnda (-nze) 1. to defeat, win a
case, 2. be victorious, to win, 3. to
succeed
umu-tsīnda (imi-) young banana
gu-totēsha (-sheje) to saturate with
shoot
--tōto (adj.) unripe, green (of
gu-tsindagira (-ye) to crush down,
certain fruits)
press down
i-tōto (adj.) 1. fat, 2. healthy (plant
gu-tsindagirira (-ye) to press down
or person)
at, for
102
gu-tsindagiza (-je) to press down
with
gu-tsīndanīsha (-shije) to
condemn
gu-tsīndanīshiriza (-je) to justify
gu-tsīndāza (-je) 1. to stay in one
place permanently, 2. to fill up
gu-tuka (-tse) 1. to slander, 2. to
swear at, 3. to insult
gu-tūmbereza (-je) 1. to make
straight for, to arrange, 2. to aim for
gu-tukana (-nye) to slander each
other, to yell at each other hateful
things
ubu-tumbi (med.) swelling
aga-tūku (udu-) gnat, tiny fly
ru-tuku prohibited locally brewed
gu-tumbūra (-ye) 1. to explain
thoroughly, speak distinctly, 2. to
tell what one has heard while
eavesdropping, 2. to stoop
spirit made of manioc
gu-tūmbūra (-ye) 1. to cut down
disapproval on one's face
ubu-tūku gnat, tiny fly
banana stalk, 2. to be a widow (of
chief, etc.)
igi-tsīntsīri (ibi-) heel
gu-tukura (-ye) to be red, to blush
igi-tumbura (ibi-) doughnut, donut,
in-tsīnzi (in-) victory, triumph
gu-tukuza (-je) to make red
fritter, sinker
gu-tsirita (-se) 1. to rub, 2. to
gu-tukwa (-tswe) to be insulted,
gu-tumira (-ye) to send to for, to
polish
slandered
invite
ugu-tsirita rubdown, massage
gu-tuma (-mye) 1. to send (person,
ubu-tumire (no pl.) invitation
ibi-tsingotsingo frown, showing
one's toe
or message), 2. to cause, prompt,
gu-tumiza (-je) to order
be reason for, bring about, bring on,
gu-tumwa (-mwe) to be sent
trigger, induce, lead to, result in
gu-tsītāza (-je) to cause to stumble
igi-tuma (ibi-) 1. reason, 2. cause,
in-tumwa (in-) messenger, apostle,
gu-tsītāzwa (-jwe) to be made to
3. purpose
envoy
stumble by
gu-tumagura (-ye) to hit
repeatedly but gently with fist
(mother sometimes does it to child)
ubu-tumwa (no pl.) 1. message, 2.
person)
gu-tumba (-mvye) to swell
apostle, envoy
igi-tsūre (ibi-) evil look
i-tumba (i-) rain season (about
February to May)
news
gu-tsītāra (-ye) to stumble, stub
mu-tsitsa (mi-) wisdom tooth
gu-tsontsomera (-ye) to bite (of
i-tu (ama-) small package
gu-tūba (-vye) to grow smaller
(sometimes used of moon)
igi-tuba (ibi-) vagina, vulva
gu-tubika (-tse) 1. to tie together,
to tie up hole in sack, 2. to put on
tourniquet
gu-tūbūka (-tse) to grow larger
(sometimes used of moon)
igi-tugu (ibi-) shoulder
uru-tugu (in-) shoulder
--tugutu (adj.) 1. yellow, 2. orange
(color), 3. purple, reddish
umu-tugutu (imi-) 1. yellow, 2.
orange (color), 3. purple, 4. yellow
of eggs (yolk)
ubu-tumba (no pl.) little hills,
knolls
text
umu-tumwa (aba-) messenger,
ubu-tumwa bwiza gospel, good
gu-tuna (-nnye) 1. to pucker,
shrink (vi), 2. to lean forward
preparing to run
umu-tūmba (imi-) 1. stem, trunk of
gu-tūnda (-nze) 1. to get
tree, 2. torso of person or animal
mildewed, musty, 2. to move things
gu-tumbagana (-nye) to be
to another place, to unload
swollen, to swell (esp. of dead
i-tunda (ama-) 1. passion fruit, 2.
animals, also of beans, etc.)
tree tomato
gu-tumbagura (-ye) to stare
umu-tundiro (imi-) stones, nails,
without seeing
etc., which witch doctor pretends to
in-tumbaswa (in-) physalis, kind
take from swollen place on body
of gooseberry
gu-tūnga (-nze) 1. to be rich, 2. to
igi-tumbatumba (ibi-) trunk of
own, possess, 3. protect, 4. to raise
banana tree after banana is cut
(animals), 5. to excuse
gu-tūmbēra (-reye) 1. to aim at, 2.
to plan for, 3. to focus, to
concentrate on, 4. to be directly in
front of, looking toward
103
i-tūnga (ama-) possessions, riches
uran-tūnga Sorry!
gu-tūnga urutoke to point at
gu-tūngāna (-nye) to be very
straight, perfect
gu-tura (-ye) to live at, to dwell, to
inhabite, to reside
igi-tungano (ibi-) domestic animal
gu-tūra (-ye) 1. to remove load
from head, 2. to lay down a burden,
3. to unload, to put down 4. to offer
a gift
gu-tūngānya (-nije) 1. to make
perfect, 2. to put right, 3. to tidy, 4.
to organise
ugu-tunganya the cleaning-up, the
organising of
un-tūnge excuse me (when
interrupting)
gu-tūngīsha (-shije) to make rich
ubu-tūngu (no pl.) ignorance
gu-tura amāngati to belch
gu-tūra hasi to knock down (esp.
in a fight)
gu-tura ubuku to shout in sudden
fear, to give a startled cry, to
scream
gu-turumbura (-ye) 1. to stare at
without seeing, 2. to chase others
out of home
gu-tururuza (-je) 1. to push a
person down where he belongs, 2.
to squelch, 3. to prevent, to stop, 4.
to convince, 5. to catch swarming
bees
gu-turutsa (-kije) to lead (e.g.
cows out to pasture)
aga-turuturu (no pl.) morning star
gu-tūrwa (-we) to be put down
(load)
umu-tūngu (aba-) ignorant person,
gu-turagara (-ye) 1. to thunder, 2.
to make a loud frightening noise
fool
umu-turagaro (imi-) thunder, loud
igi-tunguru (ibi-) onion
frightening noise
igi-tutsi (ibi-) slander
in-tunguru (in-) turtle dove
umu-turanyi (aba-) neighbour
igi-tūtsi (ibi-) language of Batutsi
gu-tūngwa (-nzwe) to be owned,
protected, etc.
gu-turika (-tse) 1. to burst, 2. to
Umu-tūtsi (aba-) Tutsi (person)
break out (as with rash), to erupt, 3.
igi-tūtu (ibi-) shade, shadow
to explode, detonate, blow up
igi-tūngwa (ibi-) 1. livestock
(sheep and goats), 2. pet
gu-tūrika (-tse) to sit together
in-tūngwa (in-) sheep and goats
umu-tūngwa (aba-) honored
person, owner of kraal
aga-tūntu (udu-) 1. chest, 2.
tuberculosis
talking for a long time
turikumwe we are together, we'll
stay in touch, we'll see us (greeting
when parting from friends)
gu-tūringiga (-ze) to sleep sitting
up, to nod in sleep
i-tūntu (ama-) 1. one who rules
gu-turira (-ye) to set fire to, to burn
others, 2. cheekiness, 3.
unwillingness to be told, 4.
meanness
up (vt)
igi-tūntu (ibi-) 1. chest, 2.
tuberculosis
igi-turire (ibi-) 1. food and drink of
rich man (ruler), (esp. honey), 2.
corruption
gu-tūta (-se) to be hard, impossible
to dig even though water is on top
gu-tutūmba (-mvye) to ferment, to
swell (as bread, beans, etc.)
gu-tūtūra (-ye) 1. to prune, 2. to
take dry leaves out of banana trees
gu-tutuza (-je) to appear out of
ground
gu-tūvya (-bije) to make smaller,
diminish (vt)
gu-tuza (-jije) to chase away
(because of hatred)
gu-tūza (-jije) to drop voice at end
of sentence or expression
gu-turirwa (-we) to be burned up
Umu-twa (aba-) Twa (person),
anxiety
gu-turitsa (-kije) to burst (vt)
pygmy
gu-tuntura (-ye) to grieve (vi), be
i-tūro (ama-) offering, gift, present
sad
gu-turuka (-tse) to come from, to
gu-twara (-ye) 1. to drive (car), 2.
to ride (bike), 3. to fly (airplane), 4.
to lead
gu-tunturirwa (-we) to grieve over,
appear
feel sad
gi-turūmbuka (adv.) suddenly
ubu-tūnzi (no pl.) 1. wealth,
gu-turūmbuka (-tse) to come
suddenly, appear suddenly
in-tūntu (in-) sorrow, regret,
possessions, riches, 2. economy, 3.
treasure
umu-tūnzi (aba-) rich man
gu-twāra (-ye) 1. to carry, to
igi-turūmbuka (ibi-) sudden
happening
transport, 2. to take away, 3. to
govern (a country), 4. to manage,
control
umu-twara (aba-) 1. leader, boss, 2.
driver, pilot (from gutwara)
gu-twara ikinga to ride a bicycle
i-tupa (no pl.) file (tool)
104
gu-twara imodoka to drive a car
gu-twāra inda to be pregnant
gu-twāra inda y'indāro to be
pregnant through adultery
gu-twāra inda y'ishushu to be
ibi-twēngo laughter
gu-twēngwa (-nzwe) to be laughed
sind-ūbaka I have not built yet (I
am not yet married)
kw-ūbakana (-nye) to build
at, mocked
gu-twēnza (-geje) to cause to
laugh, to be kidding
pregnant through adultery
umu-twēnzi (imi-) dawn
gu-twara indege to fly an airplane
umu-twēnzi ukitse when dawn
together
kw-ūbakira (-ye) to build at, for
kw-ūbakīsha (-shije) to cause to
build, build with
broke (from gukīka)
iny-ūbako (iny-) building
motorbike
ugu-twi (ama-) ear
iny-ūbakwa (iny-) building
ubu-twāre (no pl.) chieftanship,
gu-twīkīra (-riye) to cover well, to
veil, to disguise
kw-ūbakwa (-tswe) to be built
authority
umu-twāre (aba-) sub-chief,
igi-twikirizo (ibi-) veil, head
bend over
commander
covering worn over face
in-twāri (in-) one who has power,
gu-twikurura (-ye) to uncover
gu-twara ipikipiki to ride a
goodness, courage
gu-twārira (-ye) 1. to carry to, for,
2. to govern in name of
in-twāro (in-) weapon
umu-twāro (imi-) burden, load
gu-twārwa (-we) to be carried
gu-twikururwa (-we) to be
uncovered
kw-ūbama (-mye) to stoop down,
urw-ūbati (inz-) sheath, case
nd-ūbatse I have built (I am
married)
umw-ūbatsi (ab-) builder
gu-tyara (-ye) to be sharp
gu-tyaza (-je) to sharpen, to whet
ugu-tyoza abandi denigration,
disparagement
away, governed
gu-twāza (-je) to help to carry,
ic-ūbi (ivy-) wing (of chicken)
kw-ūbika (-tse) to turn upside
down, to be upside down (esp. of
basket)
kw-ūbika inda to lie on one's face,
to lie face down, to be in prone
position
carry for
U
twe we
kw-ūbaha (-she) 1. to respect, 2. to
aga-twe (no pl.) roof top
reverence, honor
umu-twe (imi-) 1. head, 2. mind
kw-ūbahira (-ye) to respect for
kw-ūbikwa (-tswe) to be turned
upside down
twēbwe we, us
ic-ūbahiro (ivy-) 1. respect, 2.
reverence, 3. honor, dignity
kw-ūbīra (-riye) 1. to come
tweho we (in contrast to others)
nātwe and we, us
nkātwe like us
twempi both of us
twese all of us
gu-twēnga (-nze) to laugh, to laugh
at
kw-ūbahuka (-tse) 1. to lack
unexpectedly finding one
unprepared, 2. to happen suddenly
respect, be disrespectful, 2. to be
insolent, 3. to dare, to be bold, 4. to
speak fearlessly
kw-ūbiriza (-je) to attack
unexpectedly
kw-ūbahwa (-we) to be respected
umw-ūbahwa (ab-) respected
gu-twēngera (-ye) to laugh at
person
gu-twēngera mw ijigo to be
kw-ūbaka (-tse) 1. to build, to
secretly amused, to laugh at
secretly
kw-ūbikiza (-je) to become dark in
daytime (from fog, etc.)
ic-ūbirizi (ivy-) unexpected thing,
anything hidden or unseen that
comes to light suddenly
ubu (adv.) now, currently
construct, 2. to be married
(euphemism, to build own house is
seen as prerequisite of mariage)
igi-twengerabarozi (ibi-) child
(before he begins to know anything) Ndubatse, I have built (I am
married)
gu-twēngēsha (-sheje) to cause to
Sindubaka, I have not built yet (I
laugh, to be kidding
am not yet married)
105
ubu nyene right now, immediately
kur'ubu perhaps
ubu nyene (adv.) right now,
immediately
ubuho (adv.) now (emphatic)
kw-ūbuka (-tse) 1. to discover, 2.
to come upon suddenly, 3. to jump
up and run quickly
ceremonial cleansing at time of a
death in family)
umeze gute What's up? How is it?
(informal greeting, from kumera)
kw-ūhagirana (-nye) to bathe each
kw-ūmira (-ye) to hold to
kw-ūburuka (-tse) 1. to peel (vi)
other
(skin after a burn), 2. to become
right side up
kw-ūhagirira (-ye) to bathe for,
kw-ūburura (-ye) to turn right side
up
kw-ūburūrwa (-we) to be turned
because of
kw-ūmīsha (-shije) to cause to dry,
umw-ūhagiro (imy-) cleansing,
bathing
kw-ūhagirwa (-we) to be bathed
ubusa (adv.) 1. nothing, 2. in vain
kw-ūhagiza (-je) to bathe with
ubwo 1. perhaps, 2. now that, 3.
kw-ūhīra (-ye) 1. to pour water on
another's hands, 2. to give salt to
domestic animals (usually in other
food)
umw-ūga (imy-) 1. craft, art,
special skill, 2. occupation,
profession
kw-ūgama (-mye) to take cover in
rain, go for shelter
kw-ūgamisha (-shije) to give
to make dry
ak-ūmiza (no pl.) astonishment,
right side up
since, 4. seeing that, 5. moreover
kw-ūmirwa (-riwe) to be speechless
in defeat, or surprise, or misfortune
kw-ūhirwa (-we) to be given salt
(cows)
kw-ūhiza (-je) to cause to give salt
to cows
astounding thing, miracle
kw-ūmiza (-je) to astonish, render
speechless
kw-ūmūka (-tse) to become dry
kw-ūmūtsa (-kije) to dry (vt)
umu-umutsibo women's dance,
characterized by movement of the
legs and pelvis but without
eroticism, celebrating the birth of a
child, Buyogoma region
shelter
umw-ūka (imy-) steam
kw-ūgara (-ye) to close, shut
ub-ūki (no pl.) honey
kw-ūmva (-mvise) 1. to hear, 2. to
understand, 3. to feel, 4. to smell, 5.
to taste
kw-ūgarana (-nye) to shut up with
uruy-ūki (inz-) bee
ukw-ūmva audition
kw-ūgarira (-ye) to close the
uko (conj.) as, how
kw-umva bihurugūshwi to be
entrance of the kraal
ic-ūma (ivy-) 1. knife, 2. metal,
unable to hear well
kw-ūgariza (-je) to cause to close
iron, 3. tool
kw-ūgarwa (-we) to be closed
in-uma (in-) dove, pigeon
sin-ūmva ikirundi I don't
understand Kirundi
ub-ūgi (no pl.) edge of sword,
kw-ūma (-mye) to be dry (vi)
kw-umva iswingi to feel tipsy
knife, etc.
ic-ūma kitagwa ingese steel
ur-ūgi (inz-) door
kw-ūmvana (-nye) to understand
each other well
ic-ūmba (ivy-) room (in house)
ic-ugumbiro (iv-) lullaby
ic-ūmba c'abana children's room
kw-ūgunyuza (-je) 1. to scour at
ic-ūmba c'abavyeyi parents room
pot, 2. to rinse out dirt, 3. to drink
all there is in a container
kw-ūgurura (-ye) to open
ic-ūmba co kuryamamo sleeping
room
ic-ūmba c'uruganiriro sitting
kw-ūgurūrira (-ye) to open for
room, living room
kw-ūgurūrwa (-we) to be opened
umw-ūmbati (imy-) manioc,
kw-ūgurūza (-je) to cause to open
cassava
iny-uguti (iny-) letter (of alphabet)
kw-ūhagira (-ye) to bathe (vt)
(originally associated with
umēnga I think, it seems, one
might say, probably
umēngo I think, it seems, one
might say, probably
106
mwiy-umve neza Feel at home!
kw-ūmvīkana (-nye) 1. to
understand one another, 2. to sound
well, 3. to be heard plainly, 4. to be
clear (understandable), 5. to come
to a compromise
kw-ūmvīra (-ye) to obey
kw-ūmviririza (-je) 1. to listen to,
at, 2. to taste at, 3. to smell at
kw-ūmviriza (-je) 1. to listen to, 2.
to taste, 3. to smell
kw-ūmvīsha (-shije) 1. to cause to
hear, 2. to cause to understand
umw-ūmwa (ab-) person whose
mouth is very dry
kw-ūnyuguzwa (-jwe) to be rinsed
kw-ūzura (-ye) 1. to be full, 2. be
be perfect, 3. to be complete, 4. to
be reconciled
week (Rw)
ivy-unyunyu carbonate
umw-ūzure (imy-) flood
kw-ūmya (-mije) to dry (vt)
uretse (conj.) excluding, except,
save for, other than
reconcile
epistaxis
urw-ūri (inz-) herd of sheep, flock
kw-ūzuza (-juje) 1. to fill, 2. make
kw-ūnama (-mye) to stoop over,
kw-ūrira (-ye) 1. to climb (as tree),
perfect, 3. to reconcile
bend down, to bow one's head
2. to board (a bus, train)
umw-ūzuzo (imy-) reconciliation
kw-ūnamika (-tse) to make another
kw-ūrirana (-nye) to climb together
kw-ūzūzwa (-jwe) 1. to be filled, 2.
to look down, close his eyes, stoop
kw-ūririra (-ye) to climb on, by, for
reconciled
kw-ūnamīsha (-shije) see
ic-ūririzo (ivy-) ladder
ic-ūmwēru (ivy-) 1. Sunday, 2.
umw-ūna (imy-) nose bleed,
kwunamika
kw-ūnamuka (-tse) to raise one's
head, to raise up (vt)
iny-ūndo (iny-) (Sw.) hammer
kw-ūnga (-nze) 1. to stop a quarrel
kw-ūnyuguza (-je) to rinse
V
kw-ūriza (-je) to cause to climb
kw-ūrizwa (-jwe) to be caused to
climb
urura rw'amase bowel
and make them like each other, 2.
to join together broken thing
kw-ūruruka (-tse) to climb down,
descend (as tree)
umw-ūngere (ab-) shepherd,
kw-ūrurutsa (-kije) to cause to
herdsman
climb down
iny-ungu (iny-) profit, gain
kw-ūrurutswa (-kijwe) to be
caused to climb down
umw-ūngu (ab-) pumpkin, squash
kw-ūzuriza (-je) 1. to fill, 2. to
Usumbura (Sw.) former name of
im-va (im-) 1. grave, tomb, 2.
funeral mound
ku-va (-vuye) 1. to come from, 2.
to shed, 3. to leak, 4. to let flow
from
kuva mu modoka to get out of the
car
have get out of my way, get out of
there
vaho (same as have)
uku-va 1. leaking, 2. bleeding
kw-ūnguka (-tse) 1. to gain, to
earn, 2. make profit, 3. to increase
(vi)
Bujumbura before independence,
changed to Bujumbura because of
its negative meaning in Swahili
ku-va amaraso to bleed
kw-ūngura (-ye) 1. to multiply (vt),
uteko (conj.) moreover
ku-va hasi to stand up
ic-ūya (ivy-) 1. civet cat, 2.
vaho get out of the way, out of
there (from kuva)
2. to increase (vt), 3. to cause to
make profit
kw-ūngurira (-ye) to increase at,
for
kw-ūngururuza (-je) 1. to go
forward little by little, 2. to prolong
kw-ūnguruza (-je) 1. to go a little
ahead, 2. to give a lift
kw-ūngurwa (-we) to be increased
kw-ūnguza (-je) to cause to
increase
ic-uniro (ivy-) slaughterhouse
uk-ūntu how (not in question)
kw-ūnyuguriza (-je) to rinse for
perspiration, sweat
kubira icuya to perspire
urw-ūya (no pl.) perspiration
uku-va amaraso bleeding
im-vaho (im-) one who's been
there, eyewitness (inkuru z'imvaho)
uyu this (demonstrative, with class
ku-vaho (-vuyeho) to leave, to go
agreements)
away
uyumunsi (adv.) today, this day
ku-vāna (-nye) to take away with,
to separate (vi)
(from uyu munsi)
uyumusi (adv.) today, this day
(from uyu musi)
im-vanda (im-) baby's hair
utw-uzango (no sing.) appetizer
member
ur-ūzi (inz-) river, stream
ku-vānga (-nze) 1. to stir, 2. to
mix, blend
umu-vandimwe (aba-) family
umw-uzukuru (ab-) grandchild
ku-vāngana (-nye) to mix together
umw-uzukuruza (ab-) descendant
107
(vi)
ku-vānganya (-nije) to mix with
umu-vo (imi-) ditch, path of water
(vt)
in heavy rain
ku-vāngavanga (-nze) to stir, mix
iki-vānge (ibi-) mixture
ku-vōgera (-ye) to walk in water,
to go all through one's house, to
know one's thoughts completely
ku-vubira (-ye) to rain on (vt), to
bring rain for
uru-vānge mixture
i-voka (ama-) avocado
by means of
ku-vāngūka (-tse) to separate one
from another (vi)
ku-vōma (-mye) to draw water, to
im-vubu (im-) hippopotamus
ku-vāngūra (-ye) 1. to separate
(vt), 2. to sort out, clear up
aka-vāntāra (utu-) foreigner
i-varise (ama-) suitcase (from Fr.
valise)
i-vatiri (i-) car, automobile (from
Fr. voiture)
ku-vāvānura (-ye) 1. to separate
(vi), 2. to forsake one another
ha-ve get out of the way, out of
there (from kuva)
i-vi (ama-) knee
iki-vi (ibi-) 1. piece of land, 2.
certain measure of time or place
(e.g. that a person is to work, so
long, or so big a place), 3. moment
im-vi (im-) white hair (from old
age)
uru-vi (im-) white hair (from old
age)
umu-vinyo (imi-) wine
go for water, to bring water
ku-vubika (-tse) to pour water on
hair before cutting it
ku-vubīsha (-shije) to cause to rain
ku-vubwa (-biwe) (passive of
ku-vōmera (-ye) to water (plants)
kuva) to be bereaved
uku-vōmera watering (plants)
ku-vuduka (-tse) to come from
ku-vōmerwa (-we) to be watered
iri-vuga (ama-) verb
ku-vōmēsha (-sheje) to draw water
ku-vuga (-ze) 1. to speak, to say, 2.
to discuss, 3. to claim
with
iki-vōmesho (ibi-) thing for
drawing water
ku-vuga ubureve to speak with a
speech defect
umu-vōmezi (aba-) one who
uku-vuga nabi abandi gossiping,
waters plants
backbiting
ku-vōmwa (-mwe) to be brought
ku-vugako (-zeko) to talk a little of
(water)
something
umu-vōmyi (aba-) one who carries
im-vugakuri (im-) someone
water
speaking the truth, an honest person
ku-vōvōta (-se) 1. to talk nonsense
when drunk, to say a lot of
slanderous talk, 2. to speak
incoherently, 3. to rain early in
morning or for a long time, 4. to
give oneself to the service of
Kiranga (also kubāndwa), 5. to
divine
ku-vugana (-nye) to talk together
im-vugarimwe (im-) all speaking
together
ku-vugira (-ye) to talk at, for, in
favor of
umu-vugire (imi-) mood (gram.)
umu-vovoto (imi-) pastoral
ku-vugīsha (-shije) to cause to
singing, pastoral eulogy (from
kuvōvōta)
speak
i-vu (no pl.) soil, earth
cause to speak the truth
uru-vu (im-) chameleon
im-vugo (im-) 1. speech, 2. rhetoric
flooded in house
vuba (adv.) 1. soon, 2. recently
ku-vīsha (-shije) to allow, cause to
ku-vuba (-vye) to cause to rain
(sorcerer), to pour water on hair
before cutting
ku-vugumuka (-tse) to grow
rapidly in spurts
umu-vinyu (imi-) wine
ku-vīra (-riye) 1. to flow out, 2. to
be spilled, 3. to shed, 4. to leave
from
ku-vīrwa (-riwe) to be soaked,
flow, to be shed
i-vitamini (i-) vitamin
--vivi (adj.) gray
im-vo (im-) cause, reason
ku-vuguruza (-je) to contradict, to
disagree
umu-vuba (imi-) bellows
ku-vuguta (-se) 1. to blow with
vuba vuba (adv.) fast, quickly
bellows, 2. to stoke (fire), 3. to
squeeze out banana juice
uru-vivi (im-) gray hair (from old
age)
ku-vugīsha ukuri to be honest, to
vubaha (adv.) lately
ku-vugutirwa (-we) to be tempered
i-vūbi (ama-) wasp
(as metal)
108
umu-vuguvugu (imi-) sound of
stick or string whipped through air,
sound of things blown by wind,
whir
ku-vugwa (-zwe) to be said,
spoken
umu-vugwa (imi-) person of verb
(gram.)
iki-vumu (ibi-) tree of which bark
is used for clothing
umu-vumu (imi-) tree of which
bark is used for clothing
im-vūmūre (im-) one who has lost
everything in trial, one who begs
earnestly but doesn't get it
ku-vūngurīsha (-shije) to smash
(as grain before grinding), to shell
corn
ku-vunika (-tse) to break (vi) any
slender thing, as bone
ku-vunika umugongo to have back
pain
iki-vūmvu (ibi-) shallow basket
ku-vunira (-ye) to break at, for
umu-vūmvu (imi-) kind of tree
(fiber used for rope)
ku-vunira akagohe to wink at
i-vuka birth, delivery
ku-vūka (-tse) to be born
ku-vumwa (-mwe) to be cursed
aba-vūkana brothers (from
ku-vuna (-nnye) 1. to break (vt)
(bone, or any slender thing), 2. to
defend, help, assist, 3. to forbid
ama-vūka years of one's life
kuvūkana)
ku-vūkana (-nye) to be brothers
and sisters
ku-vunagura (-ye) to break to bits
umu-vukanyi (aba-) sibling, friend
ku-vunagurika (-tse) to be easily
im-vūkira native, indigenous
broken
i-vūnja (ama-) jigger, chigoe flea,
sand flea
im-vūnja (im-) jigger, chigoe flea,
sand flea
ku-vūnja (-nje) to change money
ku-vunjira (-ye) to change money
at, for
vunumuhini kind of sweet potato
ku-vunaguza (-je) to cause to
ku-vunwa (-nywe) to be broken
ku-vūkira (-ye) to be born at
break to bits, break with
iki-vuko (ibi-) port
aka-vunamusase breakfast
ku-vuma (-mye) to curse
ku-vūnda (-nze) 1. to lie around ill
lawyer, defender (from kuvuna)
ku-vuma amate to spit on
long time, 2. to be sedentary, 3. to
get moldy (esp. manioc or grass)
iki-vura (ibi-) storm, thunderstorm
other
im-vūndēri (im-) carpenter bee
im-vura (im-) rain
ku-vūmba (-mvye) to go where
im-vune (im-) 1. long garment
ku-vura (-ze) 1. to sour (milk), 2. to
thicken (vi), 3. to coagulate
ku-vumana (-nye) to curse each
folks are drinking in hopes of
getting some, to beg (for beer)
(trails on ground), 2. break (as
bone), fracture
iki-vumbiko (ibi-) wood that holds
fire as ashes are put over it for the
night
hands
ku-vūmbura (-ye) 1. to have
natural intelligence (yavumbuye
ubwenge), 2. to pick up droppings
of animals and put them in garden
crumbs
iki-vume (ibi-) cursed thing
ku-vumereza (-je) to call
continuously and persistently
ku-vumira (-ye) to curse for
ubu-vumo (no pl.) cave, den (as of
wild animal, in rocks)
umu-vumo (imi-) curse
ku-vūnga (-nze) to crush with
(bone, etc.)
umu-vunyi (aba-) advocate,
ku-vūra (-ye) to heal (vt), to treat
uku-vūra treatment (med.)
ku-vūrana (-nye) to treat each
ku-vūngagura (-ye) to crush grain
other
ku-vūngagurika (-tse) to become
umu-vurati (aba-) rain maker
ku-vūngīsha (-shije) to cause to
crush grain, crush with
aka-vunguka (utu-) crumb
ku-vūnguka (-tse) 1. to crush, 2. to
crumb easily, to crumble
ubu-vunguka (no pl.) crumbs,
im-vure (im-) cow without horns
im-vuridahita (im-) temple (of
head)
ku-vūrira (-ye) to treat at, for
i-vūriro (ama-) dispensary, clinic,
small hospital, health center
ku-vurisha (-shije) to cause to
chips of wood
ku-vūngura (-ye) 1. to crush, 2. to
rub grain, 3. to take off chaff
109
thicken, sour by
ku-vūrīsha (-shije) to cause to
treat, treat with
im-vuru (im-) huge fish
aka-vūzo (no pl.) gray
ku-vurūnga (-nze) to make a little
dough, to stir, mix, to roll about on
ground (vi)
uru-vūzo (no pl.) gray
ku-vurungana (-nye) to make a lot
ku-vyāgira (-ye) 1. to sit (of kings
i-vya (ama-) testicle
ku-vyīmbūka (-tse) to reduce
swelling (vi)
ku-vyīmbūra (-ye) to reduce
swelling (vt)
ku-vyina (-nye) to dance (esp. to
of noise, to strive and crowd
together
or rulers), 2. to be at rest (cows)
music)
i-vyāra delivery (of a child), birth
ku-vyinira (-ye) to dance in honor
umu-vurungano (imi-) noise (esp.
ku-vyāra (-ye) to give birth, to
of
of battle or strife), confusion,
clamor
beget, to deliver (a child)
ku-vyinīsha (-shije) to cause to
umu-vyara (aba-) maternal cousin
dance
dough with
ba-vyāra bācu maternal cousins
uru-vyino (im-) dancing with
uru-vuruvu (im-) chameleon
ku-vyarira (-ye) to give birth at
ku-vurungisha (-shije) to make
singing
(time, place)
im-vyiro (im-) dirt (on body)
umu-vyāro (imi-) little plant for
umu-vyiro (imi-) very black, soot
ku-vyūka (-tse) to arise, get up
ku-vutagura (-ye) to break in two
transplanting, small trees that start
up around big one
(as rope or chain)
uru-vyāro (im-) offspring,
im-vuto (im-) ropes or whatever is
descendant
umu-vyūka (imi-) sweet potato
vines, pumpkin vines
used to bind a thief or criminal
iki-vyārwa (ibi-) illegitimate child,
uru-vuto (im-) string of bow
child of mixed marriage
aka-vutu (utu-) group of people
ku-vyarwa (-we) to be born
going along
ku-vyāza (-jije) to deliver, to aid
woman in delivering
ku-vūrwa (-we) to be treated
ama-vuta butter, oil
i-vutu (no pl.) 1. terror, 2. horror
gucika ivutu 1. to lose one's head,
2. to be terrified
iki-vutu (ibi-) crack in foot
aka-vuvu group of people moving
along
obese, get fat
ku-vyigiriza (-je) 1. to frighten, 2.
to threaten
ku-vuza uruhwa to whistle
iki-vyīmba (ibi-) 1. tumor, 2.
treats illness
W
aka-wa (no pl.) coffee (grain or
ku-vūza (-je) to cause to treat the
umu-vūzi (aba-) doctor, one who
ku-vyūtsa (-kije) to lift up one who
is lying down
ku-vyibuha (-she) to be fat, to be
sick
ubu-vuzi 1. medicine (practice of),
healthcare, 2. healing
ku-vyūra (-ye) to help another get
up
ama-vyi excrement, dung
ku-vuza (-gije) 1. to cause to speak,
ku-vyibuhīshwa (-shijwe) to be
2. to play instrument, 3. to beat
made fat
drum
im-vuzi (im-) spokesman
together, at same time
umu-vyēyi (aba-) parent
ku-vyibuhīsha (-shije) to make fat
umu-vuzamurisho (aba-)
traditional drummer, following the
movement of the dancer
ku-vyūkana (-nye) to get up
tree)
i-wabo at their home, their home
i-wācu at our place, our home
i-wanyu at your home, your home
wapi (adv.) (from Sw. 'where') no,
swelling (from kuvyīmba)
ku-vyīmba (-mvye) to swell up
umu-vyīmba (imi-) corpse
ubu-vyimbe swelling
ku-vyimbīsha (-shije) to cause to
swell
ku-vyimbīshwa (-shijwe) to be
caused to swell
110
no way!, never
--we (adj.) your (sg.)
we you (sing.)
weho you, etc. (in contrast to
another)
nāwe and you
nkāwe like you
yewe! you there! (sing.),
(exclamation of surprise)
yemwe! you there!
yemwe gaye! (exclamation of
astonishment)
wē he, she, him, her
na wē and he, and she
nka wē like him, like her
wewe you (sing.)
wēwe he, she
yambi hello (greeting to small
umu-yēnzi (imi-) light brown
children or of women among each
other)
yambiiii (emphatic greeting to
small children or among women)
holy
yambu hello, hi (informal, from
ku-yerēra (-reye) to wander about
Sw. jambo)
ku-yāmīra (-riye) to feel faint,
gradually drift off to sleep while
thinking
Y
in-yāna (in-) calf
--yera (adj.) 1. white, 2. pure, 3.
i-yera (no pl.) harvest time
in-yerere (in-) wire bracelet
in-yererezi (in-) wanderer
Yesu Jesus
aka-yābo (utu-) (or ubu-) cat
umu-yangayanga (aba-) butcher
yewe you there! (sing.),
(exclamation of surprise)
aka-yābu (utu-) (or ubu-) cat
umu-yānge (imi-) plant of
umu-yibigi (aba-) child (boy)
in-yabwonko computer
iki-yaga (ibi-) lake, ocean
ku-yaga (-ze) to melt (vi) (e.g.
butter)
ku-yāga (-ze) 1. to talk, chatter,
animate a conversation, 2. visit
umu-yaga (imi-) wind
umu-yaga nkuba electricity,
electrical power
umu-yagankuba electricity,
electrical power
in-yagano (in-) plunder, a thing
taken unlawfully but not secretly
ku-yāgira (-ye) to visit at, for
ku-yagiriza (-je) to cause to melt,
to shine brilliantly
ku-yagīsha (-shije) to cause to melt
sorghum or millet
ku-yāngika (-tse) to head up (of
grains)
grasshopper
iki-yāra (ibi-) white potato
ku-yigiza (-je) to burn up (vt),
destroy by fire, to destroy
ama-yaya post-drinking song,
iki-yīko (ibi-) (Sw.) spoon
region de Kirimiro
iki-yāya (ibi-) plain, large flat area
umu-yaya (aba-) babysitter,
housemaid
iki-yayuramutwe (ibi-) drug
i-yimbura (no pl.) harvest time
i-yīnga (ama-) week, Sunday
ku-yīnga (-nze) to hum
ama-yirabiri 1. street, 2. crossroads
addiction
in-yiyerekano (in-) Demonstration
ku-yaza (-gije) to cause to melt
in-yizamvugo (in-) dictionary
i-yebe (ama-) rattle, musical
instrument
in-yo (in-) maggot
uru-yo maggot
umu-yebe miming dance of men
wearing birds feathers, Imbo region
iki-yōba (ibi-) peanut, groundnut
yegeriyegeri unrest, riot
ku-yoba (-vye) 1. to get lost, 2. to
err in counting or in speaking, 3. to
make a mistake, 4. to speak evil of
ruler, 5. to break the law
za yegeriyegeri riots (pl.)
ku-yāgīsha (-shije) to cause to visit
yēgo yes (esp. in Rw.)
iki-yāgo (ibi-) conversation (often
used in pl.)
yemwe you there!
ku-yāgwa (-zwe) to be visited
uru-yige (inzige) locust,
yemwe gaye you there!
iki-yobe light brown (used of a
person who is not very dark)
(exclamation of astonishment)
ubu-yobe (no pl.) wickedness
umu-yobe (aba-) wicked one,
money, or other things
ku-yēnga (-nze) 1. to burn (food)
slightly (vi), 2. to get too dry in
cooking
in-yamanza (in-) wagtail (bird)
ku-yēngēsha (-sheje) to allow to
yamara (conj.) but, however
burn
yambewe (an exclamation of
ku-yēnzēra (-reye) to wander about
surprise)
in-yēnzi (in-) cockroach
about
i-yakīriro (ama-) place to receive
condemned one
ku-yobera (-ye) 1. to not know, 2.
to be unknown
ku-yoberana (-nye) to be unknown
111
unrecognizable
ku-yoberanya (-nije) to make
ku-yōmbekēra (-ye) to flow softly,
quietly (of water)
in-yoberwa (in-) ignorant person
aka-yōmbekēre (no pl.) gradual
ku-yoberwa (-we) to be mistaken,
to not know
ku-yobeza (-je) to cause to be
mistaken, mislead
iki-yobezabwenge (ibi-) narcotic
drug
ku-yobezwa (-jwe) to be led into
error
ku-yoboka (-tse) to be faithful,
drifting
ku-yugayuga (-ze) to go from
place to place to sit (because of
fear, or because others speak evil
of you), sit fidgeting
quietly, 2. to go on tiptoe
i-yugi (ama-) 1. copper or leather
shells at the ankles of intōre
dancers, 2. white shell charm worn
around the neck by eight-born child
(called Mayugi)
in-yōmvyi (in-) African robin
in-yuguti (in-) letter (of alphabet)
(bird)
uru-yūki (inzūki) bee
in-yōnga (in-) presence of great
person, at his feet
yūko that (esp. to introduce
aka-yōmbēro (no pl.) gentle
flowing of river
ku-yōmbōka (-tse) 1. to go softly,
indirect quotation or other
dependent clause)
obedient
ku-yōnga (-nze) 1. to melt (e.g.
ku-yobokera (-ye) to be faithful to
sugar, salt), 2. to disappear, 3. to be in-yundo (in-) in the presence of
absorbed
(lit. knees) (some great person)
ku-yobora (-ye) 1. to lead, drive
(esp. cows), 2. to show the way
ubu-yōnga (no pl.) fringe
in-yūndo (in-) (Sw.) hammer
umu-yōnga (imi-) burned-over
aka-yungiro (utu-) 1. filter, 2. grill,
ku-yoborora (-ye) to lead for,
toward
place
broiler, 3. gridiron
ku-yōngayōnga (-nze) to melt
aka-yungirrizo (utu-) sieve, grid
ku-yoborwa (-we) to be led
away, disappear
umu-yoborwa (aba-) employee,
ku-yongobeza (-je) to eat by
someone instructed to work,
someone overseen at work
ku-yoboza (-je) 1. to cause to lead,
to lead for another, 2. to make
progress
ubu-yobozi leadership,
administration, management
umu-yobozi (aba-) boss, chef,
director
ku-yogera (-ye) to perish, to be
killed unjustly
sucking only (as candy)
in-yōngōri (in-) small centipede
ku-yungubiza (-je) to eat by
sucking only (as candy)
iki-yunguyungu (ibi-) small of the
back
in-yoni (in-) bird (small one)
uru-yūzi (inzūzi) pumpkin seed or
in-yōnko (in-) 1. fever, 2. malaria
plant
ku-yōra (-ye) 1. to pick up, 2. to
clear off, remove things
ku-yōra amazi 1. water
purification, 2. to filter water
ku-yōrēsha (-sheje) to cause to
Z
iki-za (ibi-) disaster, famine,
epidemic
pick up
kū-za (-je) to come
noise, cry out, to bawl, 2. to talk
when you shouldn't
ku-yōrwa (-we) to vomit
nzo-za I will come
uku-yōrwa vomitting
umu-za (imi-) line of cream left on
uru-yogoyogo (in-) shouting,
in-yōsha (in-) temptation
ku-yogora (-ye) 1. to make a lot of
clamor
iki-yoka (ibi-) big snake
ku-yōka (-tse) to diminish (vi), to
get thin, to not be well
in-yōta (in-) thirst
uru-yoya (inzoya) infant, baby (up
sides of container
umu-zabibu (imi-) vine grapes
uru-zabibu (in-) vineyard, grape
to 3 months)
zābukuru (no pl.) old age
yomba (conj.) maybe, perhaps
ku-yōza (-jeje) to gather up by
means of
i-zāhabu (ama-) gold
ku-yombayomba (-mvye) to go
umu-yuda (Aba-) Jew (person)
stealthily
112
ku-zāma (-mye) to waver, flutter
(not person)
aka-zāmba (utu-) trumpet
iki-zēze (ibi-) idiot, imbecile
ku-ziganya (-nye) to provide for,
care for, to be economical
in-zāmba (in-) trumpet, calling
ku-zēzwa (-jejwe) to be entrusted
horn
with
uku-ziganya saving (econ.)
umu-zamu (aba-) guard, watchman
umu-zēzwa (aba-) 1. girl reaching
iki-zigira (ibi-) upper arm, humerus
(Sw.)
age of puberty, 2. unmarried young
woman
ku-zana (-nye) to bring, to fetch
umu-zana (imi-) rope (of any kind)
ku-zanana (-nye) to come together,
bring with one
ku-zāngazānga (-nze) 1. to
dawdle, 2. to make excuses
ku-zanira (-ye) to bring to, for
--zi to know (verb without infinitive
or past)
aka-zi (utu-) 1. work, job, 2. task
(from Sw. kazi)
amā-zi water
nda-zi I know
ku-zigira (-ye) to burn (food) (vi),
to make black for
ku-zigiriza (-je) to earnestly persist
in asking for something, to
surround animals or person hunted
ku-zigirizwa (-jwe) to be
surrouned, to be at end of one's
resources, to be absolutely
discouraged in difficulty
ntavyon-zi I don't know (from -zi)
ku-zigīsha (-shije) to cause to dye
bring, bring by means of
sin-zi I don't know (from -zi)
black
ku-zanwa (-nywe) to be brought
sindabi-zi I don't know
ku-zigiza (-je) to cause to dye
black, to let burn
in-zanyi (in-) penis
umu-zi (imi-) root
ku-zanzamuka (-tse) to jump in
utu-zi little water (from amāzi)
ku-zanīsha (-shije) to help to
surprise or when awakened
ku-zibiranya (-nije) to silence, to
in-zara (in-) 1. hunger, 2. famine
fall heavily (rain)
in-zāra (in-) fingernail
ku-zibiza (-je) to silence, to stop up
aka-zatsa (utu-) very tiny thing
ku-zibūka (-tse) to open (vi), clear
(vi), to hear well suddenly (vi)
ku-zāzānira (-ye) to puzzle
ku-zazanirwa (-niwe) to be
puzzled, uncertain what to do
in-zeduka (in-) accident
ku-zibukīra (-riye) to avoid, to
duck to keep from being struck,
escape
confidence
ku-zibūra (-ye) 1. to open, 2. to
clear, 3. unstop, unblock, 4. to
pierce (vt)
ku-zerēra (-ye) 1. to be homeless,
iki-ziga (ibi-) corpse
2. to wander about, 3. to make
dizzy
ku-ziga (-ze) 1. to dye, 2. to think
ici-zere (-shije) (no pl.) trust,
in-zererezi (in-) homeless
wanderer
about, 3. to expect to get
something, 4. to suppose
ku-zērērwa (-we) to be dizzy
ku-zigama (-mye) to protect,
guard, watch over
zero (adj.) zero
ku-zigamira (-ye) to protect at, for,
ku-zēza (-jeje) to entrust
in the place of
ku-zigamīsha (-shije) to cause to
in-zigo (in-) grudge
umu-zigo (imi-) 1. bundle,
package, packet, luggage, 2. load,
burden
ku-ziguza (-je) to encircle,
surround, form a circle
aka-zīka (no pl.) grudge that never
ends
in-zika (in-) resentment, grudge,
bitterness
ku-zika (-tse) 1. to dig under crop
or grass, 2. to bury (a person)
umu-ziki (imi-) music
i-ziko (ama-) burial, funeral
i-zīko (ama-) 1. traditional
fireplace, consisting of three stones
(see amashiga), 2. stove, cooker
ku-zīkuruka (-tse) to bubble up
ku-zīkurura (-ye) to mix up, to put
what's on the bottom on top, to take
out of a hole in the ground what
one has put there
i-zeze (ama-) traditional fiddle,
protect, entrust to the care of
small monochord instrument played
ku-zigamwa (-mwe) to be
with a bow
protected
iki-zeze (ibi-) big fat stomach
--zima (adj.) 1. alive, 2. whole,
unbroken
ku-zima (-mye) to go out (fire,
light)
113
ubu-zima 1. life, 2. health, 3.
have special powers, 2. spirit
worship, 3. superstitions
ku-zīngira (-ye) to fold for, at
wholeness
ubu-zima bwiza fitness
ku-zimya (-mije) to put out fire or
as string
ku-zimagirika (-tse) 1. to get really
lost and wander about, to err, 2. to
lose one's head
umu-zimagiza (imi-) great
darkness
ku-zimāna (-nye) to give at feast
to, serve a meal to
light
i-zina (ama-) name
ku-zīngīra (-riye) to wind around,
ku-zingirikira (-ye) to force, to
command a person to do what he
doesn't want to, use violence, to
make another lose his case
umunsi ur'izina on a certain day
amazina y'inka poetry praising
cattle
amazina y'ubuhizi poetry praising ku-zīngīsha (-shije) to cause to roll
up
courageousness
amazina y'urugamba war poetry umu-zīngo (imi-) hem, fold, roll
uru-zingo (in-) sickly child
obscured, be blurred, disappear
ku-zina (-nye) to hinder one from
harming another
ku-zimanganya (-nije) to erase,
i-zina ryanje ni my name is ...
surround
ku-zimangana (-nye) to be
hide, conceal
in-zimāno (ama-) feast, dinner
(mostly used in pl.)
ku-zimanwa (-nywe) to be offered
(or served) a meal
ku-zīmba (-mvye) 1. to fraud, to
swindle, 2. make the price very
high, to overcharge, 3. to be
expensive
ku-zimbana (-nye) to defraud each
other
ku-zīmbuka (-tse) to become cheap
ku-zīngūka (-tse) to go around,
i-zinamuhūngu (no pl.) male
ku-zīngurura (-ye) to unfold,
ama-zīnda (no sing.) 1.
forgetfulness, 2. doubt
kugira amazīnda to be forgetful,
doubtful
gushira amazīnda to have a good
memory
unroll
for
ku-zīnda (-nze) 1. to be difficult to
folded
say or know, 2. to cause to forget,
3. to escape the memory
iki-zira (ibi-) forbidden thing, taboo
ku-zinduka (-tse) to start early in
in-zira (in-) 1. path, way, 2.
direction, 3. process
the morning, to get up early
ku-zīndūka (-tse) to be easy to
umu-zimbura (aba-) member of the remember
Abazimbura lineage of drummers
ku-zindukana (-nye) to go early
ku-zimbwa (-mbwe) to be cheated
by the seller
ku-zimira (-ye) to go astray, to get
together
ubu-zīndūtsi memory (from
kuzīndūka)
ku-zīngurūrira (-ye) to unroll at,
ku-zīngurūrwa (-we) to be unrolled
ku-zīngwa (-nzwe) to be rolled,
ku-zira (-ze) 1. to be forbidden,
taboo, to refuse to eat, to despise, 2.
to be punished for someone else's
wrong doing, to suffer or be
punished because of a certain thing,
3. to avenge wrong done to one's
family
ku-zīndwa (-nzwe) to forget
ku-zīra (-ze) to come at (time,
prepositional form of kūza)
being lost
i-zīnga (ama-) island
uku-ziranirwa infection
ku-zimiza (-jimije) to lead astray
ku-zimizwa (-jwe) to be led astray
ku-zinga (-nze) to be more skillful
than others in play or work
(yabazinze)
iki-zirazira (ibi-) shield of
variegated colours
umu-zimu (imi-) spirit, ghost
ku-zīnga (-nze) 1. to fold, roll up,
ku-zimuruka (-tse) to find one's
2. to chase flies off cows, 3. to not
grow (because of too many seeds)
lost (of persons)
ubu-zimire (no pl.) ignorance,
way
ku-zimurura (-ye) to show the way
to one who is lost
ubu-zimuzimu 1. things used in
worship of Kiranga, thought to
ku-zīngana (-nye) to roll up with
ku-zingazinga (-nze) to roll up
several times
umu-zingi (imi-) circle
114
ku-zirika (-tse) to tie with rope (as
goat out to pasture)
ku-zirikana (-nye) 1. to know, 2. to
think over, 3. to meditate
iki-ziriko (ibi-) rope (as for tying
animals)
in-zirikwa (in-) flock of sheep or
goats
ku-zirikwa (-tswe) to be tied (goats, uru-zogi (in-) umbilical cord
etc.)
ku-ziririza (-je) 1. to absolutely
refuse, 2. to superstitiously observe
certain days, 3. to observe a taboo
in-zōka (in-) snake, worm
i-zosi (ama-) neck
ku-zūnguza (-je) to turn about (vt)
ku-zūnguza umutwe to shake
one's head in anger or disgust
kugōnda izosi to bow the neck, to
be submissive
ku-zūnguza umutwe to shake
wrong done deserving punishment
in-zovu (in-) elephant
iki-zunguzungu (ibi-) dizziness
ku-zīrōra (-ye) to persist in old
ka-zoza future
customs, to observe class
distinctions
in-zozi (in-) dream
ku-zūra (-ye) 1. to raise from dead,
resurrect, 2. to exhume
umu-ziro (imi-) 1. prohibition, 2.
ku-zirukaniriza (-je) to give
penuriously to
ku-zirukanya (-nije) 1. to give
in-zu (in-) house, building (plural
ku-zūrwa (-we) to be resurrected
i-zūba (ama-) sun
ku-zuyāza (-je) to be lukewarm
ku-zungagizwa (-jwe) to be tossed
ku-zitira (-ye) to make a hedge,
surrounding wall, boundary
about
uru-zitiro (in-) hedge, fence,
surrounding wall (from kuzitira)
ku-zūngazūnga (-nze) to blow in
the wind, to be unsteady
ku-zitiza (-je) to have a hedge
made
iki-zungu (ibi-) anything of
European or westerners culture
mu-zitsa (no pl.) wisdom tooth
umu-zūngu (aba-) white person
ku-zitura (-ye) to untie
(lit. 'someone going around',
referring to the first European
explorers, from kuzunguruka)
ku-ziza (-ze) to forbid (because you
umu-zūngukazi (aba-) white
don't want him to get along well),
to harm or kill because of revenge
person (female)
ku-zizwa (-jijwe) to be mistreated
because of
ku-zūnguriza (-je) to turn about
(vt), to surround, to enclose
in-zobe (in-) light colored African
ku-zūnguruka (-tse) to go around,
in-zōga (in-) beer
to cycle (the stem 'zungu' is also the
origin of umuzungu, which does not
mean 'white person' but rather
'someone going around', describing
the first European explorers)
in-zogera (in-) 1. bells used as
musical instrument, strapped to feet
or arms, 2. bells bound to hunting
dog to raise the game
i-zūru (ama-) nose
sometimes also amazu)
penuriously, put in only a little (e.g. i-zūka (no pl.) resurrection (from
kuzūka)
salt), 2. to infringe, violate,
contravene
ku-zūka (-tse) to arise from dead,
to be resurrected
aka-zirukanyo (utu-) tiny thing of
no value
ama-zūku brimstone, sulphur
ku-zirūra (-ye) to remove a taboo,
ku-zūnga (-nze) to blow in the
break taboo
wind, to be unsteady
ku-zirwa (-zwe) to be refused,
ku-zungagiza (-je) 1. to turn
made a taboo
around several times, 2. to rock a
baby, 3. to agitate, 4. to wag tail
umu-zitanya (imi-) great darkness
ku-zitūrwa (-we) to be untied
one's head in anger or disgust
ku-zungurirwa (-we) to be dizzy
115
aka-zuyāzi (in-) anything
lukewarm
in-zūzi (in-) grass poisonous to
cows
in-zya (in-) pubic hair
ku-zyātira (-ye) to have lived or to
have worked in one place many
years, be experienced
ku-zyēgenya (-nye) to grit teeth
English - Kirundi
absolutely de, dede, me, pē, rwose,
kabisa (Sw.)
(to be accompanied to wedding, as
bride is) gushīngirwa
a lot cane
absorb kubōmbeka, gukamya
accomplice (one who keeps police
abandon guharuruka
(to be absorbed) kuyōnga
(~ water, as roots) kununuza
accupied while one sought escapes)
umurēmberezi
(wife) intābwa
absorbent cotton ipāmpa
abdomen inda
absorption ukunywa, ukununuza
abduct gukūra
abstain (to) gusība
abundance ubukenuke
accomplish (be zealous to)
gufūhira
(earnestness) ifūhe
(to finish) guheraheza
(not quit without accomplishing a
certain thing) gushirwa
(to be accomplished) kurangūka
(to have) kudibama, guhīmba,
gukenuka
according (~ to) kubwa
abundant (to be) kugwīra, gusāga,
accordion kinanda
gusāguka
(to have abundant leaves and
branches) gusagaba
account (on account of) kubwa
A
abandoned (field) ikirare
abide kuguma
(at king's court) gusasa
(away frequently from home)
guhīmbira
(for a time) gusībira
(in one place permanently)
guhama, gutsīndāza
(to cause to) kugumya
(to not ~ at home) guhugūmba
(to not ~ in place) kujuragira,
gucambagirana
(one who does not ~ home)
igihūmbu
ability ububāsha, ubushobozi
(to not be equal in) gusūmbana
able (to be) gushobora, kubāsha
abnormal (to be) kujūjūta
(to ~ from) kwītesha
abuse (to ~ verbally)
gushinyagurira
(one formerly loved) kuryārukana
abyss urusumanyenzi
acacia umunyinya
accelerate kunyarutsa, gushiramo
(a car) kwongera umuriro
accept kwemera
about (prep.) hāfi
(to cause to) kwemeza
(a decision in spite of oneself)
kujanirana, kujaniranwa
(not accept helpful suggestions)
gutagara
(not accept judgement rendered)
kudadika, gutagara
about (to look all ~) kuraraguza
accessible (to be) kuboneka
(to turn) kuzūnguza
(to turn) kuzūnguriza
accident agisida, inzeduka, icāgo,
abolish (to) gukūra, gukūraho
abortion ukuramburura
(med) ugukorora inda
abound (esp. insects) kujagata
above hejuru
(to be) guhanama
(to be in excess) gusāguka
abrasion (to strike another and
peel off the skin) kuramura
abscess igihute
absent (to be) gusība
icaduka
(to barely escape) guhakwa
(to fall on spear) gushōka
acclamation (cry of ~) impūndu
accommodation indāro, irāro,
(bank) ikonte, ububīko
accountability (to reach age of)
kwāruka
accumulate kurūnda
(to add to what one has) gusorōra
accusation ikirēgo, uburēzi
accuse kwāgiriza, kurēga,
kwitwarira
(falsely) kudendereza
(each other of spoiling a plan)
gutanakw ibirake
accuser umurezi
accustomed (to be) kumenyēra,
kumogorera
(to get ~ to each other)
kumenyerana
achieve guheza
(goal) gushika kw'ihangiro
acid aside, isumu, uburozi
acknowledge kwemera
(refuse to ~ one's wrong)
kudadarara
(to oneself one's guilt) kwīrimbūra
icumbi
acquaintance ubumenyi
accompany kwāmbukana,
acquainted (to be ~) kumenya
kugendanira, guherekeza
(to be ~ with) kumenyera
(to cause to be) gusībīsha, gusīvya
116
(to be ~ with each other)
kumenyerana
administrative subdivision
advise guhanūra, guhubūra, kugira
(arrondissement) arondisema, igice
gikuru c'intara
ināma
adviser umuhanuzi, konseye,
acquire kurōnka
administrator umutegetsi
umukonseye
admirable (to be) kurāngwa
advocate umuvunyi
admire gutangārira, gushīma
aerial (radio) agakwegamajwi,
acquisitions amarōnko
acquit kuregūra
act (to ~ as go-between) kurehereza
(~ as if to beat, but not do it)
kugera
(~ foolishly) kwītūtānya,
gusaragurika, kudāyāngwa
(~ foolishly in fun) gupfyina
(~ homosexually) gutingana
(~ ignorantly) kwītūtānya
(~ indifferent) kwīrengagiza
(to ~ or go secretly because of
fear) kwōmba
antene y'iradiyo
admit kwemera
(to cause to) kwemeza
(one's wrong to avoid being
caught) kwīyagiriza
affection igikūndiro, ubukūnzi,
(be willing to be admonished)
gukūrwakw ijambo
urukundo
adolescent (young man) umusore
adopt (a child) kurera
(a habit) gutōra
active (to be) kubanguka,
adopted father umurēzi
kumogorera
(to get ~ to each other)
kumenyerana
add kugereka, kugerekeranya,
gusukiranya, gutēranya
(little by little) gutororokanya
(to what one has) gusorōra
additional inyongera
address (to ~) kurūngika
(of letter) irangiro, ideresi, ibarizo
(to ~ the people, as king or other
authority) gucūra
adore gusenga
afternoon inyuma ya sasita, ku
muhīngamo, umuhīngamo
(late, early evening) umugorōba,
akagorōba
(good afternoon!) mwīriwe
afterward hanyuma
adorn gushariza, gushaza,
gushazīsha
adroit (to be more adroit than
others) kuzīnga
again ukundi
(do again) kwongera, gusubīra
against (to return) guhinyura
age (to reach age of
adult igikuze
(male) umuhumure, umukuru
adulterer umusāmbanyi
accountability) kwāruka
(to begin to get wrinkled with age)
gukāmba
(old age) ubukuru, zabukuru
adultery ubusāmbanyi
adjective ingereka
advance gutambuka
adjust (to) guhindura
advantage akarusho, ubuhīrwe
administration intwaro, ubuyobozi
advice ināma, ingīngo
adhesive tape (plaster) isuparadra
(to make) gutēra ubwōba
after inyuma, hanyuma
(catholic) imisa
(gourd used as object of) indendēri
(objects used in ~ of Kiranga)
ubuzimuzimu
(object of) ikigirwamāna
adjacent (to be) kubāngikana
(to) kwōma
afraid (to be) gutīnya, kwīkānga
adoration amasengēsho
(to commit) gusāmbana
(euphemistically, of man)
kwīsomōra
(to be pregnant through) gutwāra
inda y'ishushu, gutwāra inda
y'indāro
adhere kumata
afford (to) kugura
adorable -īza
activity umwēte
adapted (to be) kumenyēra,
affirm guhamya
African (person) umwirabura,
umunyafirika
gushiruka ubute
adapt (to) kumenyēra
affair urubānza
admonish (to) guhanūra
action igikorwa
actual nyakuri, nyāyo
aesthetic kiryoheye ijisho
(to seek) kugīsha
117
agency (branch of a bank) ibiro
bikukira ibindi
agile (to be) guciririka
agility ingoga, ubukuba
agitate (to) kuzungagiza
agitator umutāsi
ago (long ~) kēra
agonize gucīkāna, kwībabaza
agony (to be in) gusāmba
alliance isezerano
America Amerika
agree guhūza imitima, guhwānya
(to help another overcome an
enemy) gukōndōrera
American (person) umunyamerika
allow gukūndira, kureka
among mu, muri
(to go) kurekura
(to pass) kubisa
(another to dominate) guharira
(another to pass) kubisiriza
(allow me) enda
amount (of assigned work) ikivi
allowance agashirukabute
(to be amputated) gucībwa
alone -sa
amulet (heathen) igihēko
(to be) kwīherēra
(to do) kwīgūnga
(to spend the night ~) kwīrāza
(I am lonely) mfise irungu
(~ to) kwemera, gushīnga
agreeable (to be) guhīmbāra
agreement igikumu, ināma
(contract) isezerano
(gutēra igikumu)
(to be in) kubwiririkanya,
guhwāna, gutātūka
(to reach an) gutegēranya
agriculture uburimyi, irima
amplify (sound) kwongeza ijwi,
kwungura ijwi
amputate (to) gutandukāna
(to ~) gufasha
(to go to give things to one whose
house has burned) gusuhūza
(first ~) ugutabāra
alphabet iharifu
altar igitabo, igicaniro, icōtero
(heathen, worn on head) urugori
(used by witch doctor) urukorōnko,
inkorōnko
('medicine' smeared about kraal to
keep away thieves and evil spirits)
ururēmbeko
(spell, hex) amarozi
(white shell worn by children)
iyugi
AIDS sida
alternate kunyurana
amused (to be, child) kudāga
ailment ugufatwa n'indwara
alternation (of day and night)
(to be secretly) gutwēngera mw
ijigo
ahead (to go ~ a little) kwūnguruza
(to be ~ of) gutānga
aid imfashanyo
aim (to ~ at) gutūmbēra
(to ~ for) gutūmbereza
(to ~ and miss) guhusha
also kāndi
ikurikirana ry'imitaga n'amajoro
alternatively ahubwo
anal mu nyo
although naho, nubwo
(to have anal intercourse)
kuryana inyuma (Sw.)
altitude ubukiruruke
analogy isano
altruism akagōngwe, ubukūndanyi,
anatomy ubumenyi bw'ibihimba
ubuntu
vy'umubiri
aluminium aruminiyumu
always na ntāryo, imisi yose
ancestor (my, your, our)
sōgokuruza, sōkuruza
(his, their) sēkuruza
(~ do) kwāma, guhora
(~ have) guhorana
ancestry inyāmo
(med) arukoro, ubwayi
amass (a lot) kurūndarūnda
ancient -kuru
alert (to be) kuba māso
amaze gutangāza
and (for connecting clauses) kandi,
alignment umurōngo
amazed (to be) gushirwa,
aim urwēgo
air impwēmu, impemu, ikirēre
(to air) kwānikira
airplane indēge (Sw.)
airport ikibuga c'indege
albino nyamwero
alcohol (to drink) inzoga zikaze
alive –zima
(to be still alive, of old people)
kudūndēga
all –ōse
gutangāra
amazement (to do something that
causes pleasure or amazement)
gusamāza
(all right) niko, ni ko
(together) icārimwe
amazing bitangāje (from
alldays na ntāryo, imisi yose
ambition amanyama
(~ do) kwāma, guhora
(~ have) guhorana
amends (to make) kuriha,
gutangāza)
uteko
(for connecting words in series) na
(between infinitives or preceding
mu or ku) no
(and then) maze
anemia ukubura amaraso, indwara
yo gukama amaraso
angel umumarayika, umumalayika
kwīcungura
118
(Sw.)
anger uburake, uburakari, ishavu,
ubusugurirwe,
(rare) ipfūhe, ifūhe
(to soften another's) gufyīta
(to tear clothes in) kumwāga
(to treat with) gushinyagura
(word that remains in heart and
causes anger) isata burēnge
angle imfuruka
angry (to be) kuraka, kurakara,
gupfūhagushangashirwa
(to be very) kujīngitwa
(because of accusation)
gushungumirwa
(to suddenly get ~, when one has
been talking nicely) kugangabuka
angst ubwōba
anguish amaganya,
umwītwaririko, intūntu,
guhagarika umutima
animal (domestic) igitungano
(wild) igikoko, inyamāswa
(male in heat) ishāshi
(of nice disposition) ikirende
(track of) umwānza
(truly animal) bukōko
(young of) umukāngara
(young of small) imbūnda
(antelope) impōngo
(small antelope) ingeregere
(bat) agahūngarēma
(bear) idubu
(buffalo) imbogo
(young bull) ishūri
(male calf) ikimasa
(camel) ingamiya, ingameya
(cat) akayabo, akayabu
(chameleon) uruvo, uruvuruvu
(cheetah) igikara
(civit cat) icūya
(crocodile) ingōna
(deer) impōngo
(dog) imbwa,
(female) imbwakazi,
(wolf-like wild) ibīngira
(donkey) indogoba, indogobwe
(elephant) inzovu
(ferocious) igisimba
(fox) imbwēbwe
(frog) igikere
(gazelle) ingeregere
(giraffe) umusumbarembe
(goat) impene,
(male) impfīzi,
(young male goat) agasugurume
(goats) intūngwa, igitūngwa
(hare) urukwāvu
(hippopotamus) imvubu
(hyena) imfyisi
(jackal) imbwēbwe
(kid, lamb) umwāgazi
(lion) intāmbwe, intare
(lizard) umuserebanyi
(mongoose) isambwe
(monkey) inkēnde, imamfu
(puppy) ikibwāna, imbūnda
(python) isato
(rabbit) urukwāvu
(ram) isuguru
(rat, mouse) imbeba
(rat, cane) isiha
(sheep) intāma, intūngwa,
igitūngwa
(toad) igikere
(weasel) akarīnda, akagomba
(zebra) imparage
(to give salt to domestic ~)
kwūhīra
(to lead to drink) gushōra
(to stake out to pasture) kuzirika
kwīrengagiza
(quickly without thinking)
gusimbagurika
(to superior when called)
kurēnguka
(when called) kwītaba
answer inyīshu, igisubizo
(as on examination) impīngūro
ant (flying, edible) iswa
(pincher) intozi, urutozi
(soldier) uburima
(sugar) ikinywabūki
(tiny) ubunyegeri, urunyegeri
(white) umuswa
(white ~ hill) umugina
antelope impōngo, ingeregere
antenna (radio) agakwegamajwi,
antene y'iradiyo
(feeler of insect) uduhembe,
udutonzi
antibiotic umuti wica imikorobi
ankle ijīsho ry'ikirēnge
antibody abasoda b'umubiri
anniversary (birthday) umusi
anticipate guteganya
w'icibukiro ushika rimwe mu
mwaka
antipathy urwānko
announce kubūrira, kubūra,
antirust umuti ukura ingese
kurānga
(oneself) kwībūra
(to stand at door and call greeting)
kuramutsa
(the death of someone) kubika,
kubikira
(everywhere) gukwīragiza,
gukwīza
antiseptic akaziraruguma, umuti
ubuza uruguma gusebura
anus innyo
anxiety amaganya, umwītwaririko,
intūntu, guhagarika umutima
annoy kugōra, gusīnda
anxious (to be) kuganya,
kuganyira, kwīganyira
annoyed (to be) kugōrwa
anybody umuntu uwo ari we wese,
(to get) kuraka
uwariwe wese
anoint gusīga
anyhow (to do in spite of) gupfa
anorexia ukubura akayabagu
anymore ukundi
another –ndi
anyone umuntu uwo ari we wese,
(~ time) ubundi
uwariwe wese
answer (to ~) kwīshura
anything ikintu ico ari co cose,
icarico cose
(to ~ on exam) guhīngūra
(~ back lots of words to one who
reproves) kuryāgūmba
(delay to) kurēngagiza
(to not give when asked)
119
anytime umwānya uwari wo wose,
uwariwo wose, igihe ico ari co
cose, icarico cose
anyway mugabo, yamara, ariko,
nubwo
approximately (prep.) hāfi
armpit ukwāha
April ukwēzi kwa kane,
armrest icīshimikizo c'inkokora
apart (to come) gushānyūka
Ndamukiza, Kabozambuba
ape (monkey) inguge
apron itabuliyeri (Fr.)
apologize (to) kwīregūra
apt (to be) kubēra
apostle intumwa, umutumwa
aquarium iyororero ry'amafi,
army ingabo, igisata
inyanza
around (to go) kuzunguruka,
gukīkira, gukīkuza, kuzīngūka
(to turn ~, several times)
kuzungagiza
(prep., nearly) hāfi
igikoresho
aquire kurōnka
aroused (to be ~) gushukwa
apparent (to be) kugaragara
Arab (person) Umwarabu
arrange gutūmbereza
appealing -īza
arch umuheto (see bow)
appear kuboneka, guseruka,
guturuka
(out of ground) gututuza
(suddenly) kwāduka, guturūmbuka
(suddenly, as sun) kubāndūra
archbishop umwepiskopi mukuru
(according to length, height)
gusūmbanya
(properly) kurorānya
(place in order) kuringaniza
igise
arret-royal ingīngo
appearance ububoneke, akarānga
ardour ububangutsi, ubukerebutsi,
arrival (premature) igicuri
appease guhoza, guhwāmika
igise
(to rejoice at ~, of one) gukēra
appetite ināmbu, akayabagu
are -ri, ni
arrive kugera, gushika
appetizer utwuzango
argil ibūmba, uburongo
apparatus (instrument, machine)
applaud (to ~) gukoma amashi
apple pome (Fr.)
application umwēte, impera
y'icigwa
apply (oneself to) kwītōndera
(on) kwōmeka, kwōmekara
appoint (to a task) gutōranya
archive gushingura
ardor ububangutsi, ubukerebutsi,
argue (the liking to ~) amahāne
(to ~) guhārīra, kuja impāri
(to ~ about) gukiranira
(to ~ and swear that you're right)
gutara
argument amahāne, igihāri, impāri
artery umutsi mvomezi
(pulmonary) umutsi ujana amaraso
mu mahaha
(to ~ work) gushima
arm ukuboko, ukuboke
appreciation (gift of) igishīmo
(upper) ikizigira
(left ~) ukuboko kw'ibubamfu,
ukubamfu
(right ~) ukuboko kw'iburyo,
ukuryo
(to raise one's ~, to strike, to pull a
bow) kubangurira
(to stretch out) kurāmvura
(to take a child in ~) kurera,
gukīkira
apprentice umwīga
approach kwēgera, kurēnguka
(a lesson) gutangura
(to feather an ~) gutanaga
(to shoot an ~) kurasa
igaduka, ukugaduka, ukugagarara
(from dead) kuzūka
amazīnda
(to not have) gushiruka amazīnda
arrow umwampi
aridness (of land) ukutamera,
arise kuvyūka
apprehension amakēnga,
arrogance amanyama
art (skill) umwūga
appreciate (to) gukengurukira
(understand) kumenya
(~ at) kwīgera
(at the top) kurēngēra
(cause to ~) gucimbataza
(to give) gutanga iciyumviro
appointment ihūriro, irendevu
apprehend (a culprit) gusūmira
arrest uguhagarara
armchair intebe, icīcaro
article (news) ingingo
z'ikinyamakuru
(product, item) icahinguwe,
akagenegene
articulate kwātura
artisan umunyamwuga
artist umunyamwuga
artistic kiryohoye
as ku, uko, ingene, ubugene
(introducing clauses) nk'uko
(with back) icēgamo, inyēgamo
ascend kudūga
armhole ukwāha kw'impuzu
ascent umudūgo
approve kwemera
120
ascertain (to) kumenya
ash umunyota, amanyota
ashamed (to be) kumāramāra,
assess (to) gupima, kwīyumvīra
atelier uruganda
assignment (measure of work)
atmosphere ijuru, ikirēre
ikivi
attach (oneself to) kwīhāmbira,
kugira isoni, gutēra isoni
(to make) kumāramāza
assimilate kwumva, gutahura,
ashes umunyota, amanyota
assimilation (food) uguhinduka
aside (to go aside with someone to
talk privately) kwīkebukana
(to take someone ~) kwīkebana
ask (another to repeat to check his
veracity) gucaca
(each other) kubazānya
(each other to explain)
gusiguzānya
(each other riddles) gusōkōrānya
(for) gusaba
(for daily) kubōbōtereza
(frequently) gusabiriza
(many in order to verify)
gushīshōza
(many questions) kubazagiza
(of someone that which he has
promised) guhāngūra
(oneself) kwībaza, kwītsa
(over and over again) kubaririkiza
(persistently, though refused)
gucuna
(question) kubaza
(a riddle) gusōkōza
(stupid questions) kudedēmvya
asking (earnestly persist in ~ for
gutegera, kunyurwa
kw'ibiribwa mu mubiri
assist gufasha
(one in trouble of grief) kwīrūra
(a sick person in walking)
kwāndāza
assistance imfashanyo
(to seek ~ to overcome)
kugomorera
assistant (to chief, esp. in law
enforcement) umurōngōzi
associate (to) guhūza
kuramata
attached kumata
(to) kwōma
attack gusōmborotsa, gusōmboroza
(esp. young man ~ girl) kunkīranya
(lead troops to ~) kugomora
(unexpectedly) kwūbiriza
attain gushikīra
attempt kugerageza, kugeza
(something beyond one's strength)
gukenyukirwa
attendant (to be a wedding ~)
gushīngira
attendants (group of helpers to
association ishirahamwe
elders) ubukūngu
assorted (raw vegetables) imboga
ziribwa mbisi
attention (to pay ~) kwītōndera
assume (authority on oneself)
kurēngera
assure (that a thing is true)
(to look at without paying ~)
gusamāra
(to pay no ~) gusamāra, gutimba
attest guhamya
guhamya
attic idāri
asthma asima
attitude ukugira iciyumviro
astonish kujegeza, gutāngaza,
(to turn bad suddenly)
gufurungana
kwūmiza
something) kuzigiriza
(one who is always ~ for things)
umusabisabi
gutangāra
attraction (magnetic) ugusumakura
asphalt ikaburimbo
astonishing (thing)
attractive -īza
asphyxiation ukubura impwemu,
agahomerabunwa, igitāngaza,
akūmiza
(to be) kurēmba, kuroreka
ugupfundwa, ukunigwa n'ukubura
impwemu
astonished (to be) gushirwa,
attract gukwēga
attribute (to) kugenera
astonishment akūmiza
(gram.) kahabwa
astound kujoreza,
kujegezagutangāza, kwūmiza
attune (to ~) guhūza
ubwīcanyi
assault igitēro
astounded (to be) gushirwa,
assassination ubwīcanyi,
aubergine intore
(esp. young man ~ girl) kunkīranya gutangāra
audacity ubushirukanyi
assemble kurementanya
astounding (thing) akūmiza
audition ukwumva
(people) gukoranya
(things to give to someone)
gusorōranya
astray (to go) kuzimira
augment (vi) kugisha, gukakama,
gutūbūka, kwūnguka
(vt) kwongera, kwūngura
assert (that a thing is true)
at i, ku, kuri, kwa
guhamya
(to lead) guhuvya, kuzimiza
at last ubuherūka, aho rēro
121
August ukwēzi kwa munani,
Myandagaro
aunt (maternal, my) māma wācu
babble (to) guterabiri, kuyāga,
(maternal, your) nyokwānyu
(maternal, his, her, their) nyinābo
(paternal, my) māsenge
(paternal, your) nyogosenge
(paternal, his, her, their) inasenge
kuganira
auscultate gusūzuma
authentic nyakuri, nyāyo
authority ububwīriza, ubugabe,
ubugabo, ingānji, ubutwāre
(to have, esp. kings or revered
person) guhāngama
(to rebel against) kumēnja
(to take on oneself) kurēngera
automaton uwutiyumvira
automobile umuduga, imodoka,
baby umwāna, uruhīnja, uruyōya
(not old enough to know fear)
igifatanzoka
(tiny ~) uruhīnja
(~ clothes) icahi
(~ food) umusururu
back (at the back) inyuma
(of chair) icēgamo
(of person or animal) umugōngo
(small of) ikiyunguyungu
avenge guhōra
backbone urutirigōngo,
(wrong done to one's family)
kuzira
uruti rw'umugōngo, agatirigōngo
backwards (to go) kwīfūtānya
avocado ivoka
(inadvertently) gufutānya
(walk) kugēndēsha umugōngo,
kugēnda umugōngo
avoid kuzibukīra
backyard ikigo, igikāri
bacterium ubwoko bw'umukorobi
bad (adj.) –bi
(opportunity to harm) kuryāmira
(~ person) umubi
(~ luck) icāgo, akaga
(that which is ~) ikibi
awaken (vi) kwīkangura,
gukanguka
(vt) gukangura
badly nābi
away (to put ~) kubika
bag isaho
(far ~) kure
(backpack, shoulder bag) agasaho
(big) indaha
(sack) igunira, umupfuko
(sports bag) ishakoshi
(small sports bag, ladies purse)
agashakoshi
(suitcase) ivarise
awl (branding) umwōtso
axe ikibēzi, incābiti, imarabiti,
intoraguzo
(small ornamental) urunana
axilia ukwāha
baffled (to be) kujugajuga
baggage umuzigo
(suitcase) ivarise
B
baa kurābira
bald-headedness ubuhanzi
ball umupīra (Sw.), umubumbe
backbiting ukuvuga nabi abandi
await (a fixed time) kugerereza
(of budget) uburinganire
bw'ibisohoka n'ivyīnjira
bachelor (unmarried young man)
umusore
(middle aged) igikwerere
available irahari
avowal indahiro
balance (weighing) umunzāne
baldness ubuhanzi
back pain kuvunika umugōngo
(saying something directly)
gukingitiranya
bakery icumbiro ry'imikate,
boulangerie, patisserie
babysit (to) kurera umwana
ivatiri
avenger umuhōzi
baker's (shop) icumbiro ry'imikate
(small) akabumbe
bamboo umugano
banana igitōke, igitōki, umuneke
(plantation) urutoke
(one or one hand of) umuhānyu
(ripe) umuhwi, umuneke
(kinds of) ikinyamunyu,
igisamunyu
(beer banana) igipaca
(lady-finger) akamaramasenge
(red banana) igisukari
(bark of tree) igihubahuba
(beer) urwārwa
(sweet drink) umutobe
(leaf, green) umutōto
(leaf) ikirere
(leaf, dry) ihuba
(leaves, dry) igihūnda,
ibihūndahūnda
(center of leaf) ikigongo-gongo
(leaves, knife for cutting)
urugombōzo
(young shoot) umutsīnda
(trunk after stalk is cut)
igitumbatumba
(to cut leaves) kugombōra
(to cut from stalk) guhānyura
(to cut stalk) gutūmbūra
(to remove dry leaves) gutūtūra
(to squeeze juice from) kugana,
kuvuguta
band (of cloth, long) umugēnde
bandage ugutenga, uguhambira,
ugutenga ahababara
bandit umusahuzi
bank (bankhouse) ibanki
bait icamba
(~ account) ikonte, ububīko
bake kwōtsa
bank (of river) inkokoro
(of river, lake) inkōmbe, inkengera
122
banknote inoti
banner ibendera
baptize kubatīza
bar (iron) igihimba c'icuma
barbarous (to be) kudebagura
barber kimyozi
bare (place on hill) uruharabuga
barefoot (to walk)
kugēnda n'ibirēnge
bark (to ~, as dog) gukuga
bark igishishwa
(of banana tree) igihubahuba
(cloth garment) indemano
(cloth with painted spots, used as
thing of worship) indabe, indome
(~ stripped from tree) udukōkōrwa
(used for perfume) imibavu
(put on new ~) kwībwira
(flat, small) icibo
(flat with lid) inkōko
(little) akēbo
(shallow) ikivūmvu
(tall) inkēnga
(tall, pointed) igiseke, igisīmbo
(border of) umusōzo
(lid, cover) umutemere
(nicely made) indemano
(to cover) kurumya
(to remove lid) kurumūra
(to be upside down) kwūbika
basketball (ball) umupira wa
basketi
(game) umukino wa basketi,
umukino w'amaboko
bat (animal) agahūngarēma
bath (bath tub) ubwato bwo
kwiyogeramwo
bathe (vt) kwūhagira
barley sayiri
barnyard igituru, ikirutu, idundu,
bathing umwūhagiro
idunda
bathroom ubwogero
barren (to be, person) kugūmbaha
(plants) kurūmba
(place) uruharabuga
(thing, corn, etc.) ikirūmbirane
(to become from lack of fertilizer)
guseba
barrenness (of person) ubugūmba
battery ibateri, agatu gatekeye
umuyagankuba
battle indwāno, intāmbara
(to help in) gutabāra
battlefield urugāmba
(of land) ukutamera, igaduka,
ukugaduka, ukugagarara
bawl kuyogora
barrier (to close path) gutangīra
('bay window') ikizeze
barter kuguza
be kuba, -ri, kumera, kuramuka
(butter or other things) kumadika
(at, to have been at) guherūka
(beside) kubāngikana, guhererana
(in water) kubōmbeka
(with always) guhorana
base (of brain) agakomokomo
(of tree) itsina, igitsina
(of bed) isaso y'uburiri
bashfulness isoni
basin umubēhe, ikibēhe, ibase
(wash basin) ikarabo
basket (big) intonga, igitēbō
(deep, uncovered) ikigagara,
igisāmba, igisāngāza
(green) umubīmba, umukerere,
umukonyogo
(lima) igiharo
(red) ishigisha
(small red) uduharawe
(leaves) umukubi
(leaves, first two) ingāmba
(pod) urusokoro
(sprout) umugōndōra
(that have been put away for a
year) igihitira
(to put ~ away for a year) guhitiza
(to put away ~ for several years)
guhitikirana, guhitirana
(to tie ~ on hedge to dry) gushisha
bear (animal) idubu
basketry akēbo
(esp. legs) kwiyoga
(oneself) kwīyuhagira, kwīyoza,
kwōga
barking (of dog) ikuga
bean igiharage
bay ikigobe
bear (children prolificly having
been barren) guhonōka
(fruit) kwāma
(fruit abundantly) gutēngerera
(greetings) gutāsha
(to cause to ~) guhonōra
(cease to ~) kwāmurura
bear witness (to ~)
gushīnga intahe, guhamya,
kwāgiriza
(fearlessly in behalf of another)
kwemānga
beard ubwānwa, ubgānwa
beast inyamāswa
beat gukubita, kujānjagura,
gushinyagurira, gushishagura,
gutonagura
(act as if to ~, but not do so)
kugera
(~ around the bush) gukingitiranya
(clothes) kunyukura
(heart) gutera indihaguzi
(drum) kuvuza
(raising welts) kuramagura
beautified kiryoheye ijisho
beautiful -īza
be afraid (to ~) kwīkanga, gutīnya,
kugira ubwōba
be equal (to ~) guhwāna, kujāna
beach inkōmbe, inkūka
beads ubudede, akadede
(esp. big ones) ubusaro
123
(to be ~) guhīmbāra
(to make ~) guhīmbāza
(~ woman, girl) nyiramwiza
beautify guhīmbāza
beauty ubwīza, agahīmbare
(pretty thing) akeza
(beautiful woman or girl)
nyiramwiza
because kuko
(~ of) kubwa, kubera
(~ of that) niyo mpamvu
beckon kwākura
become kuba, gucīka, kumēra
(good again, having been bad)
gufutānuka
(known) kwāmāmara, guhishūka
(thin) kudohōka, kugeruka,
kwōnda, kwīfūtānya, kuyōka
(thinner) gufūtānya
(very thin) kugōgōra, kunohorwa
(banana) urwārwa, urwāgwa
(sorghum) impeke, indimwa
(given to sick person) umwerēra
(sharp, anything fermented)
inkarisha
(undiluted) uruhorwe
(mixed with water) umusharuro
(to beg for) kuvūmba
(to put in a warm place) gutara
beeswax ishashara, umushashara
before imbere, mbere
beg kwīngīnga, gusaba, gusēga
belch amāngati
(to) gutūra amāngati
belching amāngati
Belgian (person) umubirigi,
umubiligi
belie (deception) ikinyoma
(to ~) kubēsha, kurema,
kurementanya
(a little) kubēshabesha
(about) kurementaniriza,
kwānguha, kudendekeranya,
guhūmba
kubērwa
(continually) gukōra, gukōza,
gusabiriza
(earnestly) gukomba ibōbo
(for beer) kuvūmba
(habitually) gusegerereza
bed igitanda, uburiri
beget kuvyāra
kwemera
(cause to) kwīzēza
beggar umusēzi, umusabisabi
believe in kwīzēra, kwīzigira,
becomingly (to be dressed)
(foot of) imirāmbizo
(under a ~) urutara
(to go to) kuryāma
(to make) gusāsa
(to put to) kuryāmika
(to unmake) gusasūra
(time to go to) amaryāma
bedbug igihere, igiheri
bedchamber icūmba c'uburyamo
bedroom icūmba c'uburyamo
bedsheet ishuka
bedside (table) akameza ko mu
(one who begs earnestly but
doesn't get it) imvūmūre
begin (by ~) kubānza, kubanziriza,
guhēra
(to ~) gutangura, kwānzika,
gushūriza, gushūza
(to cause to ~) gutangīza
(~ from) guhēra
(~ a task) kwāhuka
(~ to get wrinkled from age)
gukāmba
(~ to head up, as grain) guhaga
belief ukwīzera
beliefs umwīzero
believe kwīzēra, kwīzigira,
kwemera
(cause to) kwīzēza
bell ingengeri, inzogera
(smal cylindrical) umudende
bell tower umunara
bellows umuvuba
(to blow with) kuvuguta
beloved (person) mukūndwa
below hēpfo
beginning inkomoka, iremezo,
belt umukandara, umusipi (Sw.)
(to wear a ~) gukenyera
bedtime amaryāma
intango, itanguriro, intanguro
(of dry season, about June)
impēshi
bee uruyūki
behavior (behaviour) imyitwarire,
(carpenter) imvūndēri
(to catch swarming bees)
gutururuza
(to put in new hive) kwātira
(~ sting) urubōyi
(~ hive) igitiba
(bring down ~ hive) kwegura
(to put up ~ hive) kwegeka
umwifato, imico
buryamo, akameza k'igitanda
bedspread ikireta, ikiringiti
beef inyāma y'inka
been (to have ~ at) guherūka
beer inzōga
behaviour (behaviour) imyitwarire,
umwifato, imico
bench intebe ndende
bend (vt) guheta
(as joint) kugōnda
(curve) kugoreka
(down) kwūnana
(joint) gukonya, gupfunya
(over) kujōndamika, kwūbama
behind inyuma
(get left ~ as you stare at
something) kurāngāra
(to hide ~) kwīkīnga
(to leave) gusiga
(to look) gukebuka
behold (to) kurabukwa
(imperative) ehe!
(fresh, with froth) umubira
124
beneath mūsi, mūsi ya
(~ a bed) urutara
benefit akamaro, ikimazi, ubuhīrwe
(economy) inyungu
bent (to be) guhetama
benzin igitoro ca essence
berate (to) guhanūra
beyond doubt (to be ~) kugaragara
bird of prey igisīga
(be willing to be admonished)
gukūrwakw ijambo
bible bibiliya
birth ivuka
bereaved (to be) kuvubwa
biceps inyāma y'ikibeba
berries inkēri, inkēre
bicycle ikinga (from Sw.), igāri,
big -nini
(to give ~) kuvyāra
(to be about to give ~) gukurirwa
(to be about to give ~, of cow)
kudigiriza
(to give ~, to litter, esp. dog)
kubwāgura
(to come to day to give ~)
kuramukwa
(to give ~, to child who dies at
once) kuruhira ubusa
(to aid woman in childbirth)
kuvyāza
(to be) guhererana, kubāngikana
(to be too) gusāguka, kudēnda
(to be, of growing things, esp.
child) gushisha
birthday umusi w'icibukiro ushika
rimwe mu mwaka
besides bitayeko, uteko,
bike ikinga (from Sw.), igāri, igāre
birthmark ikibibi
ikigeretseko, ubwo, nubwo
(Rw.)
(wheel) urubangāngwe
birthplace amāmo
berry inkēri, inkēre
icamwa kitagira utubuto
beseech kwīngīnga, kubobōteza
beseeching ibōbo
beseechingly (to speak very)
kubobōteza
beside iruhānde, hambavu
besiege (as in hunt or battle)
igāre (Rw.)
(wheel) urubangāngwe
bid (goodbye) gusēzera
bidet akabesani nyamabanga
bifurcate kunyurana
bisect kunyurana
gusūgereza
bile indurwe
besmirch (to) gucobogoza
bill (to) kurihīsha
bet (to) gutega
bill ifagitire
betray kugambanira
billharcia birariziyoze
(a secret) guhemuka
(one who) umuguranyi
billy goat isuguru, ihebe
betrayal ubugambanyi
better (be ~ than) kurusha
bit (not a ~) n'intete
bitch (female dog) imbwakazi
(ropes or whatever is used to bind
a criminal) imvuto
biology ibinyabuzima, ubumenyi
bw'ibintu bifise ubuzima
beware of kwīyubāra
bird ikiguruka
bewildering bitangāje (from
(little ones) inyoni
(crane, golden-crested) umusāmbi
(crow) igikōna
(dove) intunguru, inuma
(duck) imbati
(eagle) inkona, inkukuma,
ikinyakabaka, impūngu
(goose, wild) igisafu
(hawk) igisiga
(kite) ikinyakabaka
(parrot) gasuku
(partridge) inkwāre
(robin, African) inyōmvyi
(that sucks honey, black with red
throat, or metallic green) umunūni
(wagtail) inyamanza
bewitch kuragura, kuroga,
kuvōvōta
(to have witchdoctor ~ another)
kuraguza
(one who bewitches) umuraguzi,
umurozi
bewitched (illness of one who acts
like crazy) indwāra y'ibitēga
beyond (be ~ what one can do)
gutamya
(go ~) kurēnga
(on other side) hīrya
(to run out ~ by ~ till all is gone)
gushīrīra
bind guhāmbīra, kuboha
(something ~ than others of its
kind) agaheta
(he's ~, I'm ~) n'imitende,
n'imisuhūko
gutangāza)
bishop umwepiskopi, umusenyeri
(catholic)
binding umusōzo
125
bite gushikura
(as animal, or pain) kurandagura
(of animal, insect) kuryāna
(insect) gusurira
(of person only) kuguguna,
gutsontsomera
(serpent) gukomora
bits utumānyagu
(of paper, cloth) ibitabu
(break into, vt) kumenagura,
kumānyagura, gusatagura,
kuvunagura, kuvunaguza,
gucagagura
(break into, vi) kumenagurika,
gusatagurika
bitten (to jump when ~)
gushikurwa
bitter (to be) kubīha, gukara,
gukariha, kurura
(~ flavour, to taste) kururirwa
(anything ~) ibāmba
(not ~, esp. of manioc) -horo
bitterness umururazi, inzika
black (colour) umufyīri, agafyīri
blind (to be) guhuma
(person) impumyi
blunt (to make) gufyīta
blur (seeing one indistinctly
because he went too fast) rurabwe
(very black) umuvyiro
(to be black) kwīrabura
blindfold agatambaro ko gupfuka
black (person) umwirabura
blink (to ~ often to try to see)
guhumaguza
(with eyes) gukubita ingohe
blush gutukura
black man (person) umwirabura
blackberry inkēri, inkēre
blister ibavu
komite
blackboard ikibaho
(from burns) ubutute bw'ubushe
(to ~) kubūbika, kugurugūmba
board (to) kwūrira
bloated (to be) kubondōka
amaso
blurred (to be) kuzimangana
board (of people) abantu bari kuri
(great) umuzimagiza, umuzitanya
(in daytime) ubwīrakabiri
block (path) gutangīra
board urubāho, ikibaho,
ubushinguro
(~ game) igisoro
blocs (buildings) ibigabane
boast kwīmānya, kwīrāta
blackout ukuraba
vy'inyubakwa
blacksmith umucuzi
bloke agashusho, agacapo
blackmail urukurukuru
blackness umwījima, umwīza
bladder uruhago
blade akatsi
blame (to ~) kunegura, gupfāna
blame umugayo, akagayo,
agasūzuguro
blamelessness inyankamugayo
blanket ishuka
blaspheme (to) kurogota
blasphemy amarogotano,
ikirogotano
bleed kuva amaraso
(to death) gutetera
bleeding ukuva amaraso
blend (vt) gutēranya, kuvānga,
kuvāngavānga, kuvurūnga
(dough) gucūmba
(things up and pack them down
together) gukanjagura
(thoroughly) gucucuma
(together) gusukiranya
(up) kuzīkuruka
(up thoroughly) gusobanganya
k'umuntu
boat ubwato, imasuwa, imeri
(big) icōmba
(stern) umukōndo
(to row a ~) gusōza
blood amaraso
(clot) umugoma
(of same blood) ubura
body umubiri
(of cow, drawn out to drink)
ikiremve
boil (vi) kubira
(spurting of) umupfūnda
(vt) kubiza
(~ circulation) itembera ry'amaraso (up water) kugurugūmba
(~ transfusion) ugutera amaraso
(medical, noun) igihute
(~ vessel) umutsi
boiled egg uburyo bwo guteka irigi
blossom kwātura, gushūriza
mu mazi ntirishe nēza
(to produce) gushūrika
boiling ububire
blot out gusibānganiza,
(of water in sense of bubbling)
gusibānganya
agaseba
blouse igice c'impuzu hejuru
blow (vt) guhūha, guhūngabanya
(vi) guhūngabana
(air into ball) guhaga
(along) guheha
(be blown up) kuboboka
(hard) guhūhūta
(in wind) kuzūnga, kuzūngazūnga
(one's nose) kwīmyīra
(out chaff) kugosōra
(the fire) kwātsa
(up) gupfunereza
(with bellows) kuvuguta
bold (to be) gushirukanya,
kwūbahuka
(esp. young girl) kwerura
bolt iburo
bombing gutikiza, n'amabombe
bond ifatanirizo
bondage ibija
bonds (criminal) imvuto
bone igufa
blow up (to) guturika, gusāba
(to break, vt) kuvuna
(to break, vi) kuvunika
blue (colour) ubururu (Sw.)
bone marrow umusokōro
bless guhēzagira
blessed (to be) guhīrwa
blessing umugisha, umuhēzagiro,
(of what one will do) kwigenera
(over another) kudigiriza
(old) umufyīri, agafyīri, umukata
ubuhīrwe
blunder igisozo, ifuti
126
boner (to have an ~) gushukwa
bonus agashimwe, agashirukabute
book (to ~, as hotel room) kubīkīra
boundary urubibe, akarīmbi,
braise (to ~) guteka mu tuvuta
book igitabo, igitabu
ikirīmbi
(of country) inkīko
(to make a) kuzitira
dukeyi
boost (another's work) guhīngūra
(physically or otherwise)
kwōroherwa
(to begin to feel better after being
ill) gutenzukirwa
(soil) gutabira
(taste of food) kuryosha
(a technique) guteza imbere
(ubuhinga)
booty iminyago, urunyago
border (boundery) umupaka
(of basket) umusōzo
bored (to be ~, by long speech or
boundery umupaka
boutique ibutike
bow (arch) umuheto
(without cord) ikiramvu
(to stretch, to draw) gufōra
(to raise one's arm to pull)
kubangurira
bow (to ~ down) gucurama,
kwūnama
(to ~ the head) kwūnama
(to ~ the neck) kugōnda izosi
boredom ubugorane
boring (to be bored) kurambirwa
you'll return equivalent rather than
that very thing) kugurāna
(a thing to be returned) gutīra
bosom friend (friend) umukūnzi,
somambike, pfampfe
boss (to ~) gucuranguza
boss umuyobozi
boss around (to ~) gucuranguza
bossiness ubugabo
botany ubumenyi bw'ibimera
both -mpi
bother (to) kubabaza
bottle icupa (Sw.)
(small) agacupa
(~ opener) urupfunguruzo
bottom ikibuno
branding awl umwōtso
brave (to be) guhangāra, kurema,
bowel urura rw'amase
(salad ~) igikoresho cumisha
imboga
(sugar ~) agashingurasukari
borrow (money, or that for which
branches udushami
bow-string uruvuto
born (to be) kuvūka
arondissement)
branch off kunyurana
(bracelet) umububa
bowl ibakure (Sw.), akabakure
borough arondisema (Fr.
(serving to close entrance)
imyugariro, imihogero, imihangazo
(to cut off) gukōkōra
(to put forth) gushamika
(to put out great) gusagarara,
gutabarara
bow legs amaguru y'imbango
(to be bored with) guharuruka
(of) kwāmuka
(of a certain family) gukomoka
branch ishami
brass umwākaka
delay) kurambirwa
bored with (to be) guharuruka
brake (reduce speed) kugabanya
vitesse
bowlegs amaguru y'imbango
box isandugu
(small tin) umukebe
(of matches) ikibiriti (Sw.)
(to ~) gukubagura
gushira amanga
bravely rugabo
bread (european) umukate (Sw.)
(african) umutsima
(loaf of) irobe
(lump of) intore
(soft part of) akavunji k'umukate
(to make) gucūmba
(to put ground-, peanuts, etc. in ~)
gutotera
break (vi) gucīka, kumeneka,
kumānyuruka
(vt) guca
(and scatter, vt) gusāvya
bracelet agakomo
(any slender thing, vi) kuvunika
(brass) umububa, umwākaka
(any slender thing, vt) kuvuna
(of copper wire) ikidodi, ikidode
(completely, vi) kudēndūka,
(of grass) umunoni
gufyonyoka,
kuvunagura
(of metal) akanyabugoro, umurīnga
(in
two)
gusāba
(of wire) inyerere
(the law) kurēnga, kuyoba
(worn at dances) urunana
(object with flat surface, vt)
brag (to) kwīgamba
kumena
(off by burning, tree, etc.)
braggart umunyagahwāyi
gutemuka
(off a piece, bread) kubega
braid (to) gutsiba
(out, as rash) guhurira, guturika
brain ubwōnko, ubgonko
(rope, chain) kuvutagura
(base of ~) agakomokomo
(suddenly, unexpectedly)
gukenyuka
brainstorm (to)
(a taboo) kurēngwa, kuzirūra,
kugurāna ivyītegererezo
kugōka
(to bits, vi) kumenagurika,
boy umuhūngu
127
gusatagurika, kuvunagura,
kumānyagura
(to bits, vt) gucagagura,
kumenagura, gusatagura,
kuvunaguza
(up, vi) kumānyagurika,
kumānyuka
(up, vt) kujānjagura
(a break, as bone) imvune
(to refuse to speak till given gift, ~) broad -gari
guhorōrwa
(to be) kwāguka, gutabarara
breakfast akavunamusase
bridle umujiginya
(~ tea) akāyi
(to have a ~ tea) gufata akāyi
(to ~) kijiginyika
breast ibere, ibisusu
(to dry up) gucūka
(milk) amabērebēre
breast-feed (vi) kwōnka
(vt) kwōnsa
(to ~ an invalid) kurwāza
(to ~ from a cow) kugoba
breastfeed (to) kwōnsa
breastfeeding umwāna yonka
breath impwēmu
breathe guhēma, guhumēka,
gukwega impwemu
(hard) guhēmūka
(heavily and noisily) gufūha,
gupfūha
(with difficulty, child) gufūrēka
breathing (respiration) ugusohora
impwemu
(~ in) ukwinjiza impwemu
breathtaking bitangāje (from
gutangāza)
breed ubwōko
bribe ikibuguro, igihōngo,
impongano
(to ~) guhōnga, guhōngera
(to pay ~ to win one's case)
kwīhōnga
brick itafāri
(to make bricks) kubūmba,
gufyātura
brickmaker umubūmvyi
bride-groom umukwe
broil kwōtsa
bridegroom umukwe
broiled meat uburyo bwo kwotsa
bridge ikiraro, igitarikwa,
igitarurwa
(of nose) umwīrīri
broiler akayungiro botsako
brigand umusahuzi
brightness (dazzling, as sun)
(to be suddenly) gukenyurwa
(to bits) kujānjagurika
bronchial tube agahogohogo kaja
mu mahaha, akaringoti kaja mu
mahaha
umutāri
bronchitis indwāra yo mu mahaha,
brilliance (of something spotlessly
indwāra y'agahehera, umurura utera
agahehera
white) umwēru
brim (of dish, container) imbiga
brood kubundikīra
(to fill to) kunengesēra
(to be full to) gutētera
broom umukubūzo
brimstone amazūku
(your) mwēne so
(his, her, their) mwēne se
(older ~ of boy) mukuru,
mukurwanje
(younger ~ of boy) mutoyi,
murumuna
(of girl) musāza
(of my mother) mārume
(of your mother) nyokorume
(of his, her, their mother) inarume
(of father, uncle) dāta wacu, dāta
wanyu, dāta wabo
(to be ~ and sister, or to be ~s)
kuvūkana
(religious, monk) umufrere
bring (to ~) kuzana
(back) kugarura
(back from far away) guhabūra
(back wife after she's gone home)
gucūra
(down) kumanura
(down bee hive) kwegura
(from dark into light) kwāndagaza
(from hiding) kunyegurura
(greeting) gutāsha
(in passing) guhitana
(into open from hidden place)
kwātura
(loss or failure) gutāna
(new kind of seeds or cattle into
country) kurondōra
(out of hiding) gufurūra
(quickly) gutebūkana
(things in from sun) kwāmura
(things and put them together to
give to someone) gusorōranya
(to pass) gucimbataza
(together) gukoranya, gutēranya
(up child) gukuza, kurera
(water) kudahira, kuvōma
(with one) kuzanana
bring about (to ~) gutuma, gutēra
bride umugeni
(to give gift to ~, so she will talk)
guhorōra
broken (to be easily) kuvunagurika
bring on (to ~) gutuma, gutēra
brother (my) mwēne data
brother-in-law (his, their)
muramuwe
brothers abavūkana (from
kuvūkana)
brow (of hill) igikombe
brown (to ~ food) guhindukiza mu
mavuta
(colour) c'inzobe, c'umugina,
c'akaga, ibihogo
(light ~) akagājo, umuyēnzi
browse (to ~ the internet)
kurondera, gushakisha (Rw.)
browser (internet ~)
mushakisharubuga
128
bruise (vi) kubabara, gutonekara
(vt) kubabaza
(another's feelings) gusesereza
(to be ~ by what one says, or in
injury) gusesērwa
brush ishāmba, umukubūzo,
uburoso
(the teeth) kwīnyugunura,
kwīyugunyura
bull (young) ishūri, imfīzi, impfīzi
(vt) guturitsa
(into light, dawn) kwēnzūra
(open, vt) kwāturura
(open in garden, overripe)
gusaragurika
bully umusīnzi
(to ~) gusīnda
bum ikibuno
bumblebee impingwe
bump ubukiru
(to ~ into) guseka
bubble (water) gusebura,
bunch (of flowers) umukama
kuzīkuruka
w'amashurwe
(plants) umukama, umuganda,
umupfungo, agatekero
(of grass at top of hut) isūnzu
bubbling (of water in spring)
agaseba
(to make sound of) gusāma
bucket indobo, akameka
(handle of) umukono
bud umunago, umuribo, amaso
y'ibiterwa
(to ~) gushūrika
bundle umuzigo
(esp. dead person wrapped for
carrying) ikigagara
(of grass or grain) umukama
(of sticks, rope) umugānda
(to tie up a ~) gutēkera
(clothes) ibaro
buddy umugēnzi
bunk (to) gucūmbika
(close ~) umukūnzi
(intimate ~, the one you share your burden umutwāro, umuzigo
last hidden food with) somambike
(to lay down ~) gutūra
(most intimate ~, ”you die - I die”)
burglar umusuma
pfampfe
(to visit a ~) kubūngirana
burial iziko
(of animals) ihambwa
budget itunga
(balance of) uburinganire
burlap sack igunira (Sw.)
bw'ibisohoka n'ivyīnjira
burn (vi) gusha
buffalo imbogo
(and break off, tree, etc.) gutemuka
(easily, quickly, vi) gutemuka
bug agasīmba
(food, vi) kuzigira
build kwūbaka
(food slightly, vi) kuyēnga
(a fire) gucāna
(incense, nice smelling bark)
kwōsa
builder umwūbatsi
(in the mouth) gukera
building inyūbako, inyūbakwa
(let burn) kuzigiza
(public) inyūbakwa za leta
(quickly, vt) kubabura
(to find new ~ site) kugerēra
(up, vt) guturira, kuyigiza
(to prepare a place for ~) gutaba
(to peel after a burn) kwūburuka
(~ site) urugerēro, ikibānza,
(to put something cool on a burn)
ishantiye
gupfuvya
bulb iteke
burn ubushe
(as of flower) ikirungu
(light) ampuru, irampuru
burned (food forgotten) gutetera
bulge (as garment with something
under it) kudundūra
burst (vi) gusāba, guturika
Burundian Umurundi
bury guhāmba
(a person) kuzika
(one's face in one's hans in deep
thought) kwītangira itama
bus ibisi
bush igisaka
(kind of) igisuru
(kind with thorns and edible
berries) umukēre
(the) igisanze
business urudāndaza, ubudandaji
businessman umucuruzi,
umudāndazi, umudandaji,
umudāndaza
bustard ikigendabunyovu
but ariko, mugabo, yamara
butcher (to ~) kubāga, gukēmūra
(the ~) umuyangayanga
(~ shop) ibāgiro
butchering place ibāgiro
butchery idandarizo ry'inyāma
butler umukevyi
butt guseka
butter amavuta
(to barter) kumadika
(to make) guterera
(to melt, vi) kuyaga
(to put in food) kurunga
butterfly ikinyugunyugu,
ikinyungunyungu
buttermilk amakuyano, amaterere
buttocks itako
(~ over place) umuyōnga
burr (of bush) ikiramata
bulging kidunduye
129
button igipfūngo (Sw.), igifūngo,
igipesi
buttonhole intoboro y'igipfūngo
buy (to) kugura, kununūra
called (to have one called, to be
(to ~ and sell) kudāndaza,
guhānjura
(to ~ a thing together and then
divide it) gusorōra
(look things over in prospect of
buying) kugaragura
(to ~ very much) kurangura
called) guhamagaza
capillary uturandaranda tw'imitsi
capital (money) umutahe
calling umuhamagaro, ihamagarwa
(city) umurwa mukuru
callus ibavu
capsule ikinini kirumije,
calm ubutēkānyi
umurumyo w'icupa
(to ~) guhorereza, guhoza,
guhwāmika
(to be) kwītōnda
(to become) guhora, guhūmura
captain umugabīsha
calorie inguvu
car imodoka, umuduga, ivatiri
camel ingamiya, ingamia,
ingameya
caramelization ugushongesha
isukari igahindura ibara
camera icuma co gufotora, ifoto
carapace ikigaragamba, umuruka
camp (to) gucūmbika
can (be able) gushobora, kubāsha
caravan (of carriers) umurongo
w'abikorezi
can (tin) igikopo
carbon amakara
(canister) ibido
(garbage ~) ico batamwo umwavu
(watering) ishwāro
carbonate ivyunyunyu
canal umugēnde
card igipande (Sw.), ikarata
ry'imikate
(for irrigation) umugazo,
umugende uvomera
cardboard ikarato
cake tin iforoma y'igato
canalization uguca imigende
calamity (such as a disease or
canape (for apēritif) igicucume
buyer umuguzi, umuranguzi,
umukiriya
(to search for) kubūnga
buzz kuduma
by na
C
cab tagisi
cabbage ishu
cactus ubwoko bw'igihane
cake igato, ikeki
cake shop icumbiro n'iriro
plague) ikīza
calcium ikarisiyumu
calculate gusharira
calendar ibihe vy'umwaka,
ikirangamisi
calf inyana
(male) ikimasa
(of leg) intege, inyāma y'akibitsi
call (to ~) guhamagara
(in sense of name) kwīta
(continuously and persistently)
kuvumereza
(for help) kwāmbaza, gutābaza,
gutaka, gutakāmba
(from hill to hill) gusemerera
(loudly for help) gutakāmba
(across the hills, implies scorn of
one doing it) kumoka
(to one who cannot answer)
gucurīra
captive iminyago
capture gufata, gucakīra
carbuncle (to have) guturika
cardinal (point) amerekero
care (anxiety) umwītwaririko
(of body, house, etc.) isuku
(to care about) kubabara
(for) kuziganya
cancel (to) kureka
(to take ~ of) kubungabunga,
cancer kanseri, ikivyīmba
kwītwaririka, gutūnga
candle agatara k'amashashara, ibuji (to take very good ~ of)
kubukabuka
cane ikibāndo, inkoni yo gushaza
career urucekeri
(sugar ~, ready to eat) umusigati,
umusumba
carefree (to be free from trouble
(sugar ~, plant) igikaju
when others have it) gucuna
c'ivyamwa bidatetse
canine ibwēna
cannibal umukānkāmyi
cannibalistic (to be) gukānkāmwa
canoe ubwāto
cantankerousness amanyama
careful (to be) kwīrīnda, kwītōnda,
kurīnda
(be ~!) mpore!
careless (one) umunyarwāngara
(to be) gufudika
(to be ~ with) kwānjānjwa,
kwāndārika
(to do quickly and carelessly)
kuraha
cap (of pen) agapfundikizo,
akarumyo k'ikaramu
(headgear) ingofero
carelessness urwāngara
capacity (to have large) kwāguka
caress (to) gukuyakuya
130
caries ukubungwa, ukubora
cast (to throw) gutēra
cellulose imfungurwa ziva mu
kw'amenyo
(~ lots) gupfīnda
carnivorous gitunzwe n'inyāma
cast down (to feel) kunyogōmba
biterwa, zifasha amara gukora neza,
ubugwegwe bashobora
guhinguramwo impuzu
castor bean ikibonobono
cement isima
castrate (to) gukona, gushāhura
cemetery itōngo ry'abapfu
cane cane
carol (to) guhīmbāza
carpenter umubāji,
umunyamatanga, umufundi
amanika inzu
(to do carpentry) kubāza
(~ bee) ifundēri
(~ shoo) ibarizo, isaramara
(castrated male) inkone
cat injangwe, akayabo, akayabu
catch gufata, gucakīra
center (in the ~) hagati
center on (to) gutūmbēra
centime (5 piece) isēnge
carriage igāri, igāre (Rw.)
(ball, anything thrown) gusama
(a disease from another) kwāndura
(from falling) gusama
(one who starts to fall) kuramira
(swarming bees) gutururuza
(up with) guhāmvya
carrier (porter) umwikorezi
caterpillar ikinyabwōya
ceramic ubuhinga bwo kubumba
cattle tick uruguha
cereal igiterwa c'intete, igiterwa
caught (to be ~ and unable to
c'intete kivamwo ifu
extricate oneself) kurobeza
(to be ~ stealing) gusūmirwa
certain (a ~ day) umusi ur'izina
carpet itapi
(fitted ~) imoketi, indava
(of water) umuvōmyi
carrot ikaroti
carry guterura, gutwāra
(away, as water does) gukubebera
(carefully, lest it break or spill)
kwengēnga
(for) gutwāza
(in basket, person not sick)
kurerura
(on back) guheka
(on head) kwīkorera, kwīremeka
(on head, without using hands)
kwirēngera
(and put down frequently)
gusengenyeza
(water) kuvōma
cartridge igitoro
carve (to) gukeba, kugegena
cascade gushunguruka, gusūma
case (container) urwūbati
(law) ibūrana
(to declare one's case at a trial)
gusāmba
(to know the facts of) guhinyura
(to make another lose his)
kuzingirikira
(to take ~ to chief) kubūranya
(to take ~ to chief, knowing one is
right) gutara
(to win ~) gutsīnda
cause (to ~) gutuma, gutēra
cause inyānduruko, inkomānzi,
impāmvu, igituma, imvo
(to plead a ~) kubūrana
caution (to) guhanūra
centipede (small) inyōngōri
century ikinjāna
(a ~ person) umuntu kanaka
(a ~ thing) ikintu kanaka
(a ~ time) umwānya kanaka,
igihe runaka
certainly de, dede, me, pē, rwose,
kabisa (Sw.)
(be willing to be admonished)
gukūrwakw ijambo
certify kwāgiriza
cave isenga, ubuhūku
chaff umuguruka, umurāyi
(of wild animals) ubuvumo
(fan to blow off) urutaro
(mixed with grain) ibikūmbi
(pile of chaff and grain) ubukūmbi
(to blow out) kugosōra
(to rub grain to take off)
kuvūngura
cavity (heart) agasaho,
agasaho k'umutima
cease kureka
(to bear fruit) kwāmurūra
(work) kugodoka
cessation uguhagarara
chain ingoyi, umunyororo
ceaselessly ubudasība
(small, worn on neck) umugufu
cedar isederi
chair intebe, icīcaro
(with back) icēgamo, inyēgamo
ceiling idari
celebrate (to) guhīmbāza
celebration ikirori
chalk ingwa
chalkboard ikibaho
challenge ikibazo
celery isereri
cell (tiny for prisoner) umugāso,
cassava umwūmbati
(10 piece) ikuta
(50 piece) imeya
chameleon uruvu, uruvuruvu
chance amahīrwe
ingōbāne
(to not have a) guhumirwa
131
change (vi) guhinduka
(vt) guhindura
(esp. colour) kubēngūka,
kubēnjūka
(mind) guhindura
(money) kuvūnja
(often) guhindagura
(opinion often) kugaragurika
changeable (to be) guhindagurika
channel (of water in heavy rain)
(cheque) isheki
(bad ~) isheki idakwije amahera
(checkbook) agatabo k'amasheki
check in (to) kwāndikīsha
(oneself) kwīyandikīsha
cheek umusaya, itama
cheekbone agasendabageni
cheekiness amahāne, amanyama,
itūntu
umuvo
(for irrigation) umugende uvomera cheer (to ~) kwīshima
chapter igice
cheer up (to ~) kwīshima
character (behaviour) imyitwarire,
cheetah igikera
umwifato, imico
characteristics ibiranga
charcoal amakara
charity ubukūnzi
charm (heathen) igihēko
(heathen, worn on head) urugori
(used by witch doctor) urukorōnko,
inkorōnko
('medicine' smeared about kraal to
keep away thieves and evil spirits)
ururēmbeko
(spell, hex) amarozi
(white shell worn by children)
iyugi
chase (away with shouts) kwāmira
(away) guhīnda, kwīrukana,
gukinagiza, kwāmbutsa
(away because of hatred) gutuza
(away evil spirits) gusēnda
(flies off cows) kuzīnga
(hunt) guhīga
(others out of house) guturumbura
(out quickly) guhasha
chat (to) guterabiri, kuyāga,
kuganira
chatter gusakuza, kuyāga
chauffeur umushoferi
cheap (to be) guhēnduka
(to become) kuzīmbuka
cheat (to) kugūnga, guhumbūra
check (to ~ over a thing)
guhinyuza
chef umukoresha, umuyobozi
chemist umushimisite
chemist's (shop) ifarmasi
cheque isheki
(~ book) agatabo k'amasheki
(bad ~) isheki idakwije amahera
cherish (to ~) guha agacīro
chest (box) isandugu
chest (of body) igikiriza, igitūntu,
agatūntu
chew (to) guhekenya, kunoza,
gutapfuna
chick (baby) umuswi
(very tiny) ubuswi
chicken inkoko
(hen) inkokokazi
(rooster) isāke
(wing of) icūbi
chicken pox ibihara, agasāma
chide (to) gutonganya
chief (great) umuganwa
(sub) umutwāre
(to go to with trouble, complaint)
gushengera, gushengerera
(to remove) gukōmbōra
(to take someone to for trial or
accusation) gushengeza
chief's assistant (esp. in law
enforcement) umurōngōzi
chieftanship ubutwāre
132
chigoe flea imvūnja, ivūnja
child umwāna, umugisye,
umukeme, umurerwa
(before he begins to know
anything) igitambamboga,
igitwengerabarozi
(disobedient) intabarirwa
(first-born) imfura
(healthy, about 4 months)
ikibunduguru
(illegitimate) igihūmbu, ikivyārwa
(learning to walk) ikidegedege,
intavyi
(male) umuyibigi
(of) mwene
(of mixed marriage) ikivyārwa
(only) ikinege, umwāna w'ikinege
(derogative) umuhimbiri
(small) ikibondo
(starting to know a little)
umwankavu
(that doesn't grow properly)
imfunya
(unwanted or orphan) intābwa
(up to 8 or 10 years) umugimbi
(weaned) umucūko, umukurira
(youngest or favourite)
umuhererezi
(~ care) ubuhinga bwo kurera
abana
(~ benefit) imfashanyo
y'umuryango
childbirth ibise, ivyāra
(to aid woman in) kuvyāza
childhood ubwāna, ubuto
childishly rwāna
chill agashitsi
(to ~) gukōnja
(to have) guhīnda agashitsi,
guhīndaganywa
chilled (to be) gutetera, gutīmba
chimp impūndu
chimpanzee impūndu
chin urwasakusaku, urusakanwa,
igwasakusaku
china (porcelain) ibumba ryera
Chinese (person) umushinwa,
(language) igishinwa
chip ibāngo
choke kuniga, kunyoha
circuit (electric) inzira
(to make) gusukura, guhumānura
(out ear wax) gukurugutura
(out path) gusibūra
(sweep) gukubūra
(up) kwēnzūra
(up a field) gukāngaza
(up a place) gukēsha
(up one's plate completely)
gukōmba inkono
cholera korera
y'umuyagankuba
cleaning-up ugutunganya
choose kugena, kurobānura,
circulation ugutembera
cleanliness isuku
gutōra, gutōranya
(esp. in action) guhitamwo
(at random from group)
kudōmbagiza
(leaders) kwātira
(one to sell a thing) gutōza
circumcise kugenyēra, gukeba
cleanse kwēza, gukēmūra
circumference inkikuro
cirrhosis (of the liver) urusina
(~ house ceremoniously after
death) kwīkōmvōmvora
(oneself) kwīsukura
citizen umwenegihugu
cleansing umwūhagiro
chop (trees) guhīmbura
citrus fruit ivyamwa vyo mu
bwoko bw'imicungwe, indimu
clear (as water) umusarara
(of wood) ubuvunguka,
utuvunguka
(to ~ stone) gukorogoshora
chips (french fries) ifiriti
chisel (to) gukeba, kugegena
(with axe) gukera
(with hoe or other instrument)
kujema
(with sword) gukekana
(up in pieces) gucagagura
(off) gutandukāna
chorus (of song) icītabirizo
chosen ones (list of) itōrero
(people) icībare
Christ Kristo
circa (prep.) hāfi
circle imburūngu, umuzingi
(of people) urukīnja
(to) guca umuzingi
(to form ~) kuziguza
(to form ~ by holding hands)
gufatana urunana
city umuji (Sw.)
(large) igisagara
(~ dweller) umunyagisagara
civet cat icūya
clamor urwāmo, imigūmūko,
uruhōgo, umuvurungano,
uruyogoyogo
(to raise) kugūmūka
clan umuryāngo
christian umukristo
(populous) igisata
christianity ubukristo
clap (to ~) gukoma amashi
Christmas Noheli
clap hands (to ~) gukoma amashi
chronology urukurikirane
clash (together) kwāsana,
rw'ivyabaye
kubomborana
(vt) kubomboranya
chubby (to be) gushisha
chunk (of wood) ikigiga, urugiga
class (of nouns or objects)
church (building) urusengero
umutigiri
(to observe ~ distinctions) kuzīrōra
(people) ishengero, isengero
(roll) itōrero
classroom icūmba c'ishūri
churn guterera
clatter (to fall with a din)
cicada ijeri
cig isigareti, itābi
cigar isigara
cigarette isigareti, itābi
cinema isinema, isenema
(to be ~, transparent) kubonerana
(to be ~, understandable)
kwūmvīkana
(to ~, vt) kuzibūra
(to ~ suddenly, vi) kuzibūka
(off) kuyōra
(off, as table) gupāngūra (Sw.)
(up) kuvāngūra
cleared (place) igihamo
clearing igihamo
cleave (to) kumata
clever (to be) kugira ubwēnge
cliff agahanamo, umukuka, imānga,
ikimānga, agatēmbwe
(from which unmarried pregnant
girls are thrown) urusumanyenzi
climate imimerere y'intara
(cold ~) imimerere yo mu bihugu
bikanye
(hot ~) imimerere yo mu bihugu
bishushe
climb (hill) kudūga
guhongoroka
(as tree) kwūrira, gusega
(down) kwūruruka
claw urwāra
cling to kugumiriza
clay ibūmba, uburongo
clinic ivūriro, ibitāro
clean -īza
clock isaha
(to be) guca
(to become) guhumānuka
133
close (to) gufunga (Sw.), gukīnga,
gukīngiriza, kurumya, kwūgara
(doors of royal place) kujīsha
(entrance with branches)
guhāngāza
(hands together) gufumbata
(one's eyes) guhumiriza
(path) gutangīra
(to make another to ~ his eyes)
kwūnamika
(up completely) guhindira
(to get close together) kwegerana
(to put things or people ~ together)
kwegeranya
close by hāfi, hāfi ya (followed by
'ya' if there is an object)
(to be) kubāngikana
(to draw ~) kwegēra, kwīyegereza
(of king, esp. animal skins or
jewels) inyambarabāmi
(worn underneath outer garments)
umugega
(to remove) kwāmbura
(to strip one of his) gukoba
(short stick) ingāge
coldness ubukonje
coach (bus) ibisi
collaboration ugufashanya
(small) agacu
clouded (to be, eyes) gukāmba
clown akagūgu
coach (sport) umutōza
coarse (to be, as meal) guhurūra
coast inkōmbe, inkūka
collar ikoro y'impuzu
coat ikoti
collect gutororokanya
coals ikara
clot (to) gufatana, kuvura
cloth igitāmbara
coat stand akamanikampuzu,
ikimanikampuzu
coathanger akamanikampuzu,
ikimanikampuzu
coax (to) guhōyahōya
clothe kwāmbika
(oneself) kwāmbara, kwīfubika,
kwīyambika
cob (corn) igitiritiri
clothes impūzu, umwāmbaro,
ubugabo
clothing umwāmbaro, impūzu,
icāmbarwa
(for work) icāmbazo
collage uguhomesha uburembo
collapse (vi) guhenuka,
guhomvoka, gusambūka,
gusēnyuka, gusiduka, gusituka
(vt) gusitura
closing uruzitiro
clothespin umunēngo
cold –bisi
club (stick) ubuhiri
cloud igicu
coagulate (to) gufatana, kuvura
icāmbarwa, inyāmbaro
(very nice, colorful) uruhwijima
(worn out) agashāmbara,
umushāmbara
(to put on, wear) kwāmbara
(to put on) kwīyambika
(to rinse) kurongorora
(to scrub, to beat, to rub)
kunyukura
(to take off) kwīyambura
(to tear) gukākagura
(to tear in anger) gukākura,
kumwāga
cojones ivya
(in chest) agaherēra
(in head) agahiri, akamango,
akamangu,
(cough) inkorora
(common cold, flu) ibicurane
(weather) imbeho, ubukonje
(weather, severe) igikonyozi
(to be) gukōnja, gukanya, gutīmba
(to be drawn up from ~) gutetera
closet akabati
(large, tied on shoulder)
umuhagatiro
(long band of) umugēnde
(made of bark) indemano
(plaid) igitāmbara c'ikigoma
(shiny, silk, rayon) ihariri
(very large) igihūzu, uruhūzu
coin urupiya, igiceri
cock inzanyi, imboro (Sw.),
(fees) kubuguza
(taxes) gutōreza, gutōza
(wood) gusenya inkwi
collection ugutororokanya ibintu
collector (of taxes) umutoza,
umutozakori
college ishūre nkuru
collegue umukozi mugenzi,
umukozi dukorana
cock isāke
collide gusekana
cockroach inyēnzi
cocoa kakawo
colonialist umukoloni, umukoroni
colonist umukoloni, umukoroni
cocoon akazu k'ikinyugunyugu
coerce (to) kugōbēra, guhadikiriza,
kuzingirikira
(someone to do something against
his will) guhāta
(to obey) kugandūra
(to lose original ~) gutītūra
coffee (grain or tree) akawa,
agahawa
(as drink) ikawa
(~ pot) ibirika y'ikawa
134
colonization intwaro
y'abanyamahanga
colonizer umukoloni, umukoroni
colony igihugu c'umuheto
color irāngi
(black) umukata, umufyiri,
agafyīri,
(very) umuvyiro
(black mud) urushānga
(blue) ubururu
(brown) ibihogo
(brown, light) akagājo, umuyēnzi
(brownish black cow) ikirāyi
(gray) -vivi, agahīza, akavūzo,
uruvūzo
(green) akātsi gatoto
(orange) umutugutu
(red, like mud) agahama
(tan hair, of goats) umufūmbere
(very white) derere
(yellow) umuhōndo, umutugutu
(yellow, dark) ibihogo
(yellow, light, reddish) umugina
(to be black) kwīrabura
(to be white) kwēra
(to become yellow or reddish, in
ripening) kubēnja
(to colour) kuraba
(to ~ in) gusiga amabara
(to change ~, fade) kubēnjūka,
kubēngūka
colorant gitanga, guhindura ibara
colored (to be) kurabika
coloring gitanga, gihindura ibara
colour irāngi
(black) umukata, umufyiri,
agafyīri,
(very) umuvyiro
(black mud) urushānga
(blue) ubururu
(brown) ibihogo
(brown, light) akagājo, umuyēnzi
(brownish black cow) ikirāyi
(gray) -vivi, agahīza, akavūzo,
uruvūzo
(green) akātsi gatoto
(orange) umutugutu
(red, like mud) agahama
(tan hair, of goats) umufūmbere
(very white) derere
(yellow) umuhōndo, umutugutu
(yellow, dark) ibihogo
(yellow, light, reddish) umugina
(to be black) kwīrabura
(to be white) kwēra
(to become yellow or reddish, in
ripening) kubēnja
(to colour) kuraba
(to ~ in) gusiga amabara
(to change ~, fade) kubēnjūka,
kubēngūka
colt (animal) icāna
comb igisokozo
(old traditional comb) urusokozo
(of chicken) umubiko, urugaragara
(to comb) gusokoza
combustible cokwaka, gishobora
kwaka, icaka
combustion ukwaka, ugusha
come kūza
(all together suddenly)
kurandamuka
(apart) gushānyūka, kudohōka
(to come at) (time) kuzīra
(to do something) guherūka
(to an end) guhenebēra, guhera,
kunyika
(be coming to an end)
guherengetera
(down) kumanuka, kumanuza,
kwūruruka
(from) kwāduka, kwānduruka,
gukomoka, guturuka, kuva,
kuvuduka
(to greet often when one is in
disfavour in hopes of gaining
favour) kuneganega
(~ here) ingo, ngo, ngwino
(into sight) kurēnguka
(to light) guhinyuka, kwāndagara
(one by one) gutororokanya,
gutēraterana
(out, teeth, hoe handle, etc.)
guhongoka
(out, stake) gushingūka
(out of water) kwōgorora
(suddenly) guturūmbuka
(to, after fainting) guhembūka
(to pieces) gusambūka
(to the throne) kwīma ku ngoma
(together, crowd) gukungēra
(unexpectedly) kwubīra
(unsewn) gusonoroka (Sw.)
(untied) kubohōka, gupfunduka
(up of itself) kwimeza
(up out of water) kwiburuka
(up thickly, thus not do well)
gusorora
(upon suddenly) kwūbuka
(when called) kurabuka
(with) kuzanana
come back (to where speaker is)
kugaruka
(other than where speaker is)
gusubira
135
(vt) kugarukana, gusubiza
(from far away) guhabūka
(from hunting) guhīgūka
(from running away) guhīngūra
(from war) gutabāruka
(home, of wife when angry at
husband) kugēnda buje
(to) gushikiriza
(to cause to) kugarura,
gukubiranya, gusubiza
(to fail to) kugīrīra
(to have to ~ home because of bad
news) gukuba
(to one's country after famine is
over) gusuhūkuruka
(with) kugarukana
(person who goes never to return)
akagīrīre
(an investment ~) umwimbu
comfort ihūmure, ukumererwa
nēza, ukwikwiza
(to comfort) guhoza, guhubūra,
guhūmuriza, kwīrura
comfortable (to be) kunōnōka
(make yourself ~!) murisānze
coming (I am ~) ndaje
comma gakwābu
command ibwīrizwa, itegeko,
itegekoicāgezwe, amatēka
(one who gives commands)
umugezi
(to ~) kubwīriza, kugera, gutegeka
(a person to do what he doesn't
want to) kuzingirikira
commander umutwāre, umutegetsi
commandment icāgezwe,
ibwīrizwa
commence (by ~) kubānza,
kubanziriza, guhēra
(to ~) gutangura, kwānzika,
gushūriza, gushūza
(to cause to ~) gutangīza
(~ from) guhēra
(~ a task) kwāhuka
(~ to get wrinkled from age)
gukāmba
(~ to head up, as grain) guhaga
comment (of master, teacher)
ugushīma kw'umwigisha
commit (adultery) gusāmbana
complaint umwīdodōmbo, ikirēgo
concrete ibeto, igito
(a crime) gucumura
(be unwilling to ~ oneself)
kwīyumānganya
(oneself) kuragana
(suicide) kwīgaragura, kwīyahura,
kwīyica
(to go to chief with) gushengera,
gushengerera
(reinforced) igito kirimwo ivyuma
complement (gram) karangura
complete (to) gusōzēra, guheza
(to have things in) kubūngirana
(see 'to finish')
(~ a thing) gutobora
(to be ~) guhebūza, kwūzura
compact (to) kwibānda
completely rwōse
common (to be) gusangwa
companion umugendanyi,
compliment ishīmwe
umugēnzi
composed ubutēkānyi
company (business) ikompanyi,
(to ~) guhorereza, guhoza,
guhwāmika
(to be) kwītōnda
(to become) guhora, guhūmura
isosiyete
(friends, visitors) abashitsi
comparably kimwe
compare kugereranya,
compote (fruit ~) ivyāmwa
bitekanye isukari
concur kwemera
(to cause to) kwemeza
(one's wrong to avoid being
caught) kwīyagiriza
condemn guhinyuza, gutsīndanīsha
condemnation urubānza
condemned (to be) gucirwakw
itēka
(person) umuyobe
condensation umuhisha
condense (to) kwibānda
condition (state, shape)
ukumererwa, ubumere
(good discursive ~) ijāmbo
(good physical ~) ijūnja
gushushānya
(oneself with another)
kwīgereranya
compound igipangu
comparison ikigereranyo
(involves act of seeing) kurabukwa
(after thinking over) gutegereza
conduct (oneself) kwīfata
comprehensible (to be)
confer (to) gutanga
compass akagenekerezo
ndangaburaruko
compassion akagōngwe
compatible (to be) kuba ikirende
comprehend gutahura
gusobanuka
compress (to) kwibānda
condom agakingirizo
conductor konvuwayeri
conference ināma
confess kwātura, kwīhana,
(person of very nice disposition)
ikirende
compromise (to come to a ~)
compel (to) kugōbēra, guhāmbīra,
computer inyabwonko
kwīrega, kwemerana
(one is wrong to avoid being
caught) kwīyagiriza
guhāta
(someone against his will)
guhānjagira
conceal guhisha, kunyegeza,
confidence icīzigiro
compensate gushūmbūsha
compensation inshūmbūshanyo
compete (to) gusangira
kwūmvīkana
kuzimanganya
conceive gusama inda
concentrate (to) gutūmbēra
concentrate (to) kwibānda
concern ingorane, ikibazo
competition ihiganwa
complain kugambarara,
guhigimānga, kwīdodōmba,
kwītōnganiriza, kuniha, gutāta
(continually) kuganyira
(in heart at not having gotten what
one wanted) kudundumirwa
complainer umutāsi
complainingly (to work) kugimīra
(no problem) ntakibazo
(fearlessness because one knows
he is right) ubushizi bw'amanga
(to have ~ in) kwīzigira
confident (to be) kurema,
gushiruka amazinda
(over) kwīrārīra
confinement (time woman spends
concerned about (to be)
in house between birth of child and
time she goes out) ubwība
kwītwaririka
confirm (to) gukomeza
concerning (~ me) jēho
(by asking many) gushīshōza
(~ him, her) weho
(~ us) tweho
(~ you, pl.) mwēho
conflict ugupfa ubutegetsi
concise (to be) gupfunya ijambo
confluence ihwaniro ry'inzuzi
conclude (to) guheza
confront (to) guhangāra
136
(to be in ~) gutāta
(armed conflict) intambara
confused (to be) guhūndukwa,
kumāramāra
consort umugabo, umugēnzi
(to ~) guhinyura, kunēma, kugaya,
gukēngēra
(to show ~ by spitting out)
gucīra inyeri
congeal (to) gufatana, kuvura
umucance (lit. one who broke the
hymen)
(to lose one's ~ by death)
gupfākara
congenial (to be) kuba ikirende
constipation igisigo, ukugumbiza,
(person of very nice disposition)
ikirende
ukugumirwa
contest guhiga, kurutanya
constract (to) kwūbaka
continent ishinga
confusion umuvurungano
congenital ico umuntu yavukanye
(deformity) ikigaga
(malformed person) ikirema
constrain kugōbēra
construction (~ material) ihūmbi
Congolese (person)
consultant umuhanuzi, konseye,
umunyekongo, umukongomani
umukonseye
congratulate (to) gushīma
consume (completely)
gukōmvōmvora
(fire) gutōngōra
(to ~) guherengeteza
(uselessly) kwāya
conjecture kwībwīra
conjugate guhadikiriza
conjunction (gram) sahwānya
consumed (to be) gutōngōka
contend for kumaranira
continually (to do) kwāma, guhora
continue kugumiriza, guhora,
gukomeza, kubāndānya (vt)
(to ~ to go) kubāndānya
(one's journey) kurāmvura
contract (agreement) isezerano
(work contract)
amasezerano y’akazi
contract (to ~ a contagious
disease) kwāndura, kwāndukirwa
conjunctivitis ubwoko bw'indwara
(e.g. candle) gushiringitira
contradict (to) kuvuguruza
y'amaso yandukira
(certain kind) uburire
consumer ikirya ikindi
contrary (to be) kudadika
conjuration amarozi
contagion ukwandukira,
connect guhūza
(to ~ with one another) gufatanya
connection uguhūza
conquer kunēsha, gufata ikibanza
(enable to) kuneshereza
conquest ugufata
(~ of a country) ukwigarurira
igihugu
consciousness ubwēnge
(to regain ~) kurabūka
(on the) erega
iyandukira
contravene (to) kuzirukanya
contagious candukiza
control (to ~) gutwāra
(to be) kwāndukira
(to catch ~ disease) kwāndura,
kwāndukirwa
(to transmit a disease) kwāndukiza
(~ disease, term of scorn)
ubwārāra
convalesce kwāndāra
contain –rimwo (verb without
infinitive)
container (small covered) ikazānga
(to ~ onself) kwīfata
(to lose ~ over) kubura
convalescence ugukiruka,
ukurwaruka
conversation imbūrano,
umubūrano, ikigānīro, ibiyāgo
(to end) kwīkebanura
converse kugānīra, kuyāga
consecrate guhēzagira
(small tin) igikōmbe
(square tin) idebe (Sw.)
consequence inkurikizi, ingaruka
contaminated (to have dirt in,
(to do as a) guhava
milk, water) gutobeka
consequently maze, nuko
contamination ukwāndukiza
oneself one's guilt) kwīrimbūra
consider (to) kwīyumvīra
contemplate guhānga, kwīhweza,
convince kwemeza, gutururuza,
(to think over whether a thing is
right) kurimbūra, kwīrimbūra
kwītegereza
guhinyuza
(to be convinced, after proof or
persuasion) gushirwa
consideration icīyumvīro
consistency ubukomezi
console (to) guhoza
contempt umugayo, akagayo,
agasūzuguro
(one who scorns others)
umucōkōranyi
(spit spurted from between teeth as
indication of) inyeri
137
converted (to be) kwigarura,
kwīhana, gukizwa
convicted (to be, acknowledge to
convoke guhūza
convulsion ukudadarara kw'imitsi
coo (dove) kuguguza
cook (the cook) umutetsi
cook (vt) guhīsha
(vi) gusha
(in water) gutēka
(quickly) gusobaganya
cooked (to be) kurabukirwa
(to be thoroughly) gufyonyoka
cooker amashiga y'ikizungu
(traditional cooking place) iziko
cool -bisi
(to) guhora
(to be, weather) gupfuka
(to cause to) guhoza
coon cat icūya
cooperate (in getting job done
(to shell) guhungura, kuvūngurīsha
(wheat) ingano
corner imfuruka
corpse ikigaga, ikigagara,
umuvyīmba, ikiziga
(fresh) umupfu
correct (to) guca itēka
courgette intirobwa, ikurujeti
course icigwa
corruption igiturire
cost (to ~, be sold for, bought for)
ugufashanya
kugurwa
cooperative ikoperative
cotton ipāmpa
coordinate (to ~) guhūza
cotton wool ipāmpa
coordination uguhūza
couch idiva
court urukiko
(royal) ibwāmi
court house (judgement hall)
iboma
courtyard ikibuga, intangāro
cousin (paternal)
(~ grass) urwiri
mwēne dāta wācu, mwēne wācu
(maternal) umuvyara,
bavyāra bācu
cover (to ~) gupfuka, gufuka
cough inkorora
umuringa
(fine wire) ikidodi
(hard ~) agahehēra
(to ~) gukorora
(to make) gukora
copulate (to ~, of female animals
only) kwīma
council ināma, urukīnja
copy kwīmura, kwīgāna
councilor (of chief's council)
cord umugozi
umunyekōmbe
(of tongue) inkīngi
counsel ināma, ingīngo
cork (stopper) igipfūndikizo,
umupfūndikizo, umufundikizo
(one who gives) umuhanūzi
(to reject) gusaragurika
(to take) guhūza ināma
corkscrew urupfunguruzo
rw'amacupa y'imivinyu
count (to) guharūra
(cob) igitiritiri
(early kind) isega
(kind with big kernel) ikijigo
(ground corn that has first been
roasted) igikweme
(silk) ubusage
(tender new) igishōro
(yellow kind) amashigisha
(to be a ~) kumana
has heard by asking many)
gushīshōza
cooperation umubano,
corn ikigōri
couple (to ~) guhūza
corroborate (to verify what one
corruption igiturire
copper umujūmbu, umujūmpu,
(foreign) ihānga
(to leave one's ~ because of
famine) gusuhūka
(to return after famine)
gusuhūkuruka
(to be ~) ikwiye, nzīza
courage ubuhizi
(to ~ mistake) gukosōra, gukoshōra
courageous person umuhizi,
(Sw.)
intwāri
(to ~ oneself) kwīhana
quickly) gusahiriza
cope (to ~ with) kurwānya
country igihugu, intāra
(in center of) ikōmbe
(to ~ oneself) kwīpfuka
(to ~ dish, etc.) gupfūndikira
(to ~ a basket) kurumya
(mouth of another with hand to
keep him from making a sound)
gupfūnda
(well) gutwikīra
(to take ~ from rain) kwūgama
cover igipfūndikizo,
umupfūndikizo, umufundikizo,
umufunyiko, igifunyiko
(duvet cover) igisaswa
(of basket) umutemere
(of kettle) umupfuniko
(count the cost) kurimbūra
(to err in counting) kuyoba
covered (to be ~ with water)
kurengerwa
counteract (effects of evil
covering (over eyes, body, etc.)
icītwikīro
(head ~ worn over face)
igitwikirizo
'medicine') kurēmburura
(to poison, to ask for 'medicine' to
~) kurogōza
(overcome or remove an
enchantment) kurogōra
countless things umurēngera
138
covet (to envy) kugomwa, kwīfūza,
kwīpfūza
coveting icīfuzo
covetousness icīfuzo, ukwīpfūza
cramp ukudadara kw'umutsi
cow inka
crane (golden-crested) umusāmbi
(brownish black) ikirāyi
(gray) uruhīza
(white) igihororo
(~ without horns) imvure
(blood of, to drink) ikiremve
(~ path) umuhōra
(to be at rest) kuvyāgira
(to be many) gusagara
(to be many together) gusasa
amahembe
(to ask ~ from one to whom ~ was
given) kwōkōza
(to chase flies off) kuzīnga
(to entrust ~s to another and they
increase while there) gutongoza
(to get medicine to make ~ like her
calf) kwōrokereza
(to lead) kuyobora, gushorera
(to lead to pasture) guturutsa
(to put skin of dead calf before ~ to
make her to give milk) kwōrokēra
(to return ~ or calf to one from
whom one received a ~) kwōkōra
(to take up hill) kurārūra
(to tie legs while milking) kujīsha
coward umunyabwōba, umutinyi
crash (of something falling)
crippled (to be) guhinyiza,
kumugara
criticism agasūzuguro
criticize kunēbagura, kunegura,
isēnyerana
crate (box) isandugu
crave (to ~) gushākana
craving ubushākanyi
crawl kwavūra, gukāmbakāmba,
kunyogōmba
(along ground, vines) gusagaba
craziness ibisazi
crazy (person) umusazi
(to be) gusara
(to talk or act like a ~ person)
gusaragurika
gusūzugura, gusūzuguza
croc ingōna
crocodile ingōna
crooked (to be) kugorama
(malunion of bone) kuremara
(to make) kugoreka
crop ivyīmburwa
(of chicken) agatōrero
croquette ikoroketi
crease (as in cloth) umupfunyu
cross (to ~ on path) kubisīkanya,
kunyurana
(to be) kwīdōga, gushavura,
gusugurirwa
(to make ~) gushavuza
(to ~ river or valley) kujabuka
(to ~ river or bridge) kwōgorora
(to ~ road) kwambuka
crease resistant kidapfunyirana
cross umusaraba (Sw.)
crease-resistant kidapfunyirana
crossness umwīkomo, ishavu
create kurema
crossroads amayirabiri
created (thing) indemano,
crouch kwīyegeranya
creak gukaka
cream urubu, urukoko
(line left by ~ on container) umūza
(to be) kudugudwa
cowardice ubwōba
crab inkara
ikiremwa
crack (to ~, vi) kwātīra
creation ikiremwa, indemano
(also vt), kwāturuka, kurara,
gusāba, gusaduka
creator Umuremyi, Rurema
crack umuga, umugāga
creature ikiremwa
(med) umusaru
(in earth) ikigāga
(in foot) ikivutu
crackle (to ~, vi) kwātīra
(also vt), kwāturuka, kurara,
gusāba, gusaduka
cradle (a skin) impetso, ingovyi,
crow (bird) igikōna
(to ~ second time in morning)
kugereka
crowd urugāmba, ishengero
credit ingurane
creep (along) kunyegētera
(on hands and knees) kwavūra,
gukāmbakāmba, kunyogōmba
(as vine) kurānda, gusagaba
crest (of bird) urugaragara, isūnzu
insimbizo, ingerano
crew abakozi
craft umwūga
crime igicumuro
craft industry uguhingura
crow (to ~ as rooster) kubika
(to commit) gucumura
utugenegene, ubuhinguzi, iyigiro
ry'imyuga
criminal (person) umugarariji
craftsman umunyamwuga
cripple ikimuga
(~ bonds) imvuto
(person born crippled) ikirema
139
(esp. people running) igugu
(mixed ~ of people) amakūngu
(one who keeps ~ back)
umukumirizi
(to ~) kubānda, kubāndana
(to go together to see something)
gushwabāduka
(out: to not grow because of too
many seeds) kuzīnga
(together) kurūndāna, kwegerana,
kuvurungana
(together, people sitting)
gusegenya, gusegenyeza
crown urugori
curdle (milk) kuvura
(worn by dancers) umugāra
(woven or plaited) igitsibo
cure (medical) umuti
crucify kubāmba
curiosity amatsiko
cruel (to be) gukara
curl (vi) kwīzingīra, kwīyegeranya
crumb akavunguka
crumble (to) kuvūnguka
crumbs udukorokera, ubuvunguka,
utuvunguka
(to become ~) kuvūngagurika
(to ~ easily) kuvūnguka
crush gufyonyora, gufyonyoka,
kuvūngura
(easily) kuvūnguka
(grain, before grinding)
kuvūngagura, kuvūngurīsha
(with hands) kuvūnga
(down) gutsindagira
crutch ikibāndo
cry (to ~, weep) kurira, kwāna,
kwānira
(to give ~ of alarm) gukoma induru
(to give startled ~) gutura ubuku
(to sob silently) gupfunagira
(out) kuyogora
(out for help) kuborōga
(to ~, young about to die) kwānāna
cry akaborōgo
(of joy) impūndu
(sudden startled) ubuku
curtain irido
(grass for use) kwāhira
(grass or brush in order to see
path or object) guhūnja
(hair) kumwa
(in big chunks) guketagura
(in even lengths) gucacūra
(in many pieces) guhimbagura
(in pieces) gukebagura
(lengthwise) kwōmānza, gusatura
(meat, finger, etc.) gukeba
(neck of animal) gukerera
(off) gukona
(off branches) gukōkōra
(off tail of animal) gukēmūra
(off top of tree) gukēmūra
(tree) gukera, gutema, guca
(trees for building) guhimbura
(up) gukekagura
(up into small pieces) gukeka
(up small as reeds, boards)
gutemagura
(trees or sticks) kugegena
(with one blow) gutemura
(with sawing motion) gukerera
(wood in short bits) kunyuramwo
(wool of sheep) gukēmūra
(net ~) ugushira iharire mu mpuzu
ibonerana
cut (wound) uruguma
currency (from German Heller)
amahera
(from French Franc) ifarānga,
amafaranga
(to change ~) kuvūnja
(to lend ~) kugurana, gukopesha
amahera
current (of stream) umukuba
currently nōne, ubu, ubuho
(right now) ubu nyene, non'aha
(now then) nōne
curse umuvumo
(to ~) kuvuma
(to ~ each other ) kuvumana
cursed (thing) ikivume
curve (as in river) ikigonzi
(to ~) kugoreka, guheta, kugonda
(to ~ finger, as in scraping dish)
gukomba
(to make ~) kurasa
cutting (for planting) ikiguti,
igikoti, akagegene k'igiti
(of manioc) ikigoti, ikigotigoti,
ikiguti
(of sweet potatoes) umubuto,
umujishi, umuvyaro
cushion umusego
cycle ukwēzi
custom umugēnzo, ingeso
cucumber umuhiti
cuddle (to) gukuyakuya
(ancient) akārānda
(to persist in old) kuzīrōra
cultivate kurima
customer umuguzi, umukiriya
(soil, soften up) kwōrohereza
cut (to ~) guca, gutānya, gukata
cultivated (field) itōngo
(Sw.)
(to be ~) gucībwa
(banana leaves) kugombōra
(banana stalk) gutūmbūra,
guhānyura
(chop with hoe or other
instrument) kujema
(crosswise) kugegena
(down trees left after fire has
passed over) gutōngōra
(easily) gutemuka
(easily, grass) kwāhirika
(eyes out) kunogora
(grass) gutema, gukera, gukerera
cultivator umurimyi
culture akaranga
(biol.) ubuhinga bwo kwiga
imikorobi
cum (to) gusohora
cunning akēnge
cup urwāto, igikōmbe
cupboard akabāti, ububīko
140
D
dad (my, our) dāta, dāwe, papa, da
(your) so
(his, her, their) se
(~-in-law) sebukwe
(~ of twins) sebabiri
daddy (my, our) dāta, dāwe, papa,
da
(your) so
(his, her, their) se
(~-in-law) sebukwe
(~ of twins) sebabiri
daily buri munsi, burimunsi
daisy (yellow) ishike
dam (to dam a stream) kugomera,
gutangīra
damage ubwōnōnyi
(to ~) kwōnōna, guhara
damp (place ~, but not swamp)
darling (person) mukūndwa
dazzling brightness (sun, moon)
darling umukūnzi
umutāri
(to be) gukayāngana
dash (punctuation) umukwēgo,
dead (to raise from) kuzūra
agakwego
(to arise from) kuzūka
ikinyōta
(to be) gukanya, gutīmba
date (of month) itariki
deadline ikibariro
date (to ~) gukūndana
deaf (~ person) igipfāmatwi
dampen (hair before cutting)
dating (to ~) gukūndana
(~ and dumb person) ikiragi
daughter umukōbwa
deafness ibihurugūtwi
kuvubika
dance (to ~) gutāmba, guhamiriza
(parade dancing as traditional
warriors) kwīyereka
(~ to music) kuvyina
(to cause to ~) kuvyinisha
(to ~ in honor of) kuvyinira,
gutambira
(to ~ together) gutambana
(in honor of Kiranga) kubāndwa
dance intāmbo
(of men) umuhamirizo, ibirorēro,
agasimbo, umuyebe
(of women) ihunja, imisambi
(of women, celebrating a child's
birth) umutsibo
(of women celebrating the birth of
twins) igisuru
(non-traditional, of youth)
ubusambiri
(of my, your, his sister if one is
deal (kindly with) kwēngēnga
girlof my, your, his brother if one is
boy) umukōbwācu, umukōbwānyu, dear (person) mukūndwa
umukōbwābo
death urupfu, impfīro
(point of) impfīro
daughter-in-law umukazāna
(to announce ~ of someone) kubika
dawdle kuzāngazānga
(to be near ~) gutāmbūra
(to bleed to ~) gutetera
dawn amacāca, umutwēnzi,
umuseke, ubuca
(night is almost over, about to
dawn) ijoro rishira ubuca
(when ~ broke) umutwēnzi ukitse
(to ~) guca, gutambika
(to become light, very early just as
darkness ends) gutamānzuka,
gutamānzura
day umusi, umunsi
(~ before yesterday, ~ after
tomorrow) hirya y'ejo
dancer intōre
(it is ~) harakeye
(on a certain ~) umusi ur'izina,
dancing (with singing) uruvyino
umunsi ur'izina
danger akāga, irīnde
(the next ~) bukeye
(to go into without regard to
(today) uyumusi, uyumunsi
oneself) kwīroha
(time of day) :
(to warn of) kubūrira
(9 to 10 a.m.) kumusase
(to watch out for) guhwebutsa
(noon) umutāga, ku mamima
ngohe
dare kurīndūka, gutīnyūka,
(middle of day) amashōka
kwūbahuka
(about 3 p.m.) amasubirayo
dark (darkness) umwījima, umwīza y'inyana
(after dark) bwateranye
(after dark) bwateranye
(to be) kwīrabura, gucūra umwiza
(to be ~) guca
(to become) kwīra
(to spend all ~) kwīrirwa
(to become in daytime, fog, etc.)
(to start the ~) kuramuka
kwūbikiza
daydream indōto, inzozi
(to come from ~ into light)
(to ~) kurōta
kwāndagara
(to tell or explain ~) kurōtōra
darkness umwījima, umwīza
daytime umurāngo, umutāga
(great) umuzimagiza, umuzitanya
(in daytime) ubwīrakabiri
dazzling (to be) gukayangana
141
debit umwēnda
debris ibikūmbi
debt umwēnda, ideni
(payment of) inyīshu
(to be in ~, but refuse to pay)
guherana, kurīrīra
(to pay a ~) kwīshura
decayed (place of ~ things) iborēro
deceit ubuhūmvyi, amaremano
deceitful (person) umunyagahwāyi
deceitfulness ubugūnge, ibihēndo,
uruhēndo
deceive kudendekeranya, kugūnga,
guhēnda, guhūmba, guhumbūra,
gukēkeza, kurema,
kurementaniriza, guhemukira,
gusuka
(another to make him give money)
kurimānganya
(be skillful at ~) guhēndana
(habitually) gusukasuka
(in light joking way) guhēndahēnda
(making others think you've done a
miracle when it's only a deception)
uburyi
deceived (to be easily) gutēteka
deceiver umuhumbūzi,
umuhūmvyi, umusukanyi
(one who goes about lying)
indimanya
(to be a skillful) guhēndana
defile (to ~) guhumānya
December ukwēzi kw'icumi na
defiled (to be) guhumāna
demote (to push a person down)
gutururuza
definition insobanuro, insiguro
den (of wild animals) ubuhūku,
kabiri, Kigarama
decide (to) gushīnga ingingo
decision (final) ingīngo
(to ~ oneself) kwīhumanya
deformity (from birth) ikigaga
(to accept a decision in spite of
oneself) kujanirana, kujaniranwa
defraud (to) kuzīmba
declare guhamya
degrade (to) gusērūka
(one's case at a trial) gusāmba
(strongly) kwihanukira
defy (one another) kugerana
delay (to) guteba
demonstration inyiyerekano
ubuvumo
denigration ugutyoza abandi
denounce kunegura
dense -novu
deny guhakana, kwīma
decorate gushariza, gushaza,
gushazīsha
(to answer) kurēngagiza
(emphatically) guhebūza,
kwīhakana
delicate (to be) kwōroha
depart kwīgīra, kugēnda
decorticate (to ~) gutonora
delicious (in sense of undiluted) -
decrease (vi) gukama,
kugabanuka, kugeruka
novu
(to be) kuryōha
(to make) kuryōsha
(quickly) gushibuka
(from respected person)
kugaranzura
depend (to ~ on) gukūkira
decree itēka
deliciousness uburyōhe
(to ~ on help of) kumanuza
dedicate kwātira, guhezagiza,
delirious (to be) kudedēmba
deposit (to) gutereka
deliver (sense of save) gukiza
depression akabōnge
(to ~ oneself) kwītanga
(to lay hands on) kurambikakw
ibigānza
deep –rēre
(child) kuvyāra
(to be about to, cow only) kwerēra,
kudigiriza
(help to) kuvyāza
(to take something out to an
appointed place) gusokorora
deer impōngo
delivered (to be) gukizwa
zo ku rukoba
defeat umushombo
deliverer umurokozi
descend kumanuka
delivery (birth) ivyāra
(as tree) kwūruruka
(to cause to) mumanura
delta isēsero
descendant umwuzukuruza
ubureve, kuvuga ubureve
delude (to) kugūnga, guhumbūra
(far-off) umwuzukuruza-kuruza
(descendants) uruvyāro
defend guhāngāza, gutēturura,
demand (explanation) gusigūza
dedication ukwātira
deed igikorwa
(to ~) kunēsha, gutsīnda
defecate kunya
defect (speech defect, esp. s, sh, c)
deprive gutēsha
depth amajēpfo, uburēbure
(of heart) ubwīgobeko
(of water) i bwīna
dermatology ubuvuzi bw'indwara
(from) kwāka
(more) kwongeza
descent umumanuko, akamanuko
demolish guhomvora, guhonnya,
(ask another to) kudondōza
desert ubugaragwa, akarēre
gusāmba
guhonyora, gukōmbōra, kwōnōna,
gusambūra, gutikiza, kuyigiza,
kumara
(completely) gukomvōmvora,
gusangangura, gusiribānga
(by fire) kuyigiza
(garden, of goats etc.) kwōna
(the work of another) gusīvya
deficit uruhōmbo, igihōmbo,
demon ishetani, idayimoni
kuvuna
(another) gukīmbūka
(oneself, take case to chief)
kubūranya, kwīkirānura
(to have 2 methods of defending
oeself but use one you hadn't
planned on) gutēgekanya
defender umutabāzi, umuvunyi
defense (to make one's ~ at a trial)
ubuhōmbe
142
describe kudondōra
design igicapu, igicapo,
igishushānyo, ishusho, igishusho
(to ~) gushushānya
(to take, draw) gucapura
designer umuderi
desire ishāka
(for certain food) ināmbu
(strong) igishika, icīfuzo
(to ~) kugōmba, gushāka, kwīfūza
(to ~ for) kwīfūriza
determined (to be) gushira amanga
desk ibiro, imeza
despair (to) kwīheba
despicable (to be) gukengerēka,
gutītūka
(to do a ~ thing) kugōka
despise (to) gucōkōra, kugaya,
(to get what you want) kwītāra
(used of person scorned by others)
kwijajara
detest (to) gucōkōra, kugaya,
diesel igitoro c‘amazutu
gukēngēra, gusuzugura, gutītūra,
kuzira, kwānka
diet ingaburo
detonate (to) guturika, gusāba
difference (distinction)
itandukāniro
develop gukaka
development amajambere
gukēngēra, gusuzugura, gutītūra,
kuzira, kwānka
devil ishetani, satani
despised (thing, person)
(oneself to task in order to finish
it) kwirāmvura
inkēngērwa
(to be) kugayika, gukengerēka,
gutītūka
despite nubwo
dessert imfungurwa zisosa
devote (oneself to task) kwītako
dew urume, ikime
difficulty urudubi
destiny ikibariro
diagnosis ugusuzuma indwara
destroy guhomvora, guhonnya,
guhonyora, gukōmbōra, kwōnōna,
gusambūra, gutikiza, kuyigiza,
kumara
(completely) gukomvōmvora,
gusangangura, gusiribānga
(by fire) kuyigiza
(garden, of goats etc.) kwōna
(the work of another) gusīvya
dialog ikigānīro
diameter intīmbatīmba
diamond idiyama
diarrhea ugucibwamwo, uguhitwa,
destroyed (to be) gusiribāngwa,
gutikira
(completely while you are
watching) kunyika
destroyer umuranduzi, umwōnōnyi
dice akamāri
destruction amahonero,
dick inzanyi, imboro (Sw.),
ubwōnōnyi
(place of) ubushiriro
ubugabo
deteriorate gufūtāna, gusērūka,
kwōnōnekara, gushānyūka,
gupfāpfāna, kubora
(to cause to) gusērūra
determine gucīra, kugabira,
gushāmira, kugena
(difficulties) amagōrwa
(to be in ~) guhumirwa
(to extricate one from ~)
kugobōtora
dig kwīmba, kurima
dialogue ikigānīro
ugucisha epfo, ako mu nda
(to give) guhita
(to have) gucībwamwo, guhitwa,
kudodomwa, kwīruka, gushuruza
(to stop) gufutīsha
(to recover from) gufuta
bw'ifu
difficult (person) umuhāmbāzi
devour gutabagura
devoted (to Kiranga) kubāndwa
diabetes indwāra y'igisukari
detergent isabuni y'ifu, ubwoko
(anything that is ~ from others in
group) indobeke
(this is ~!) biragōye
(to be) kugōra, gukomera
(to be absolutely too ~ for)
kunanirana
(to be ~ to say or know) kuzīnda
(to be too ~ for) kunanira
baherezako
detach (to) gutānya
different (to be) gutandukāna
dictator umutegetsi
dictionary inyizamvugo
die (to) gupfa, gucīkāna, guhwēra,
kuranduka
(of king) gutānga
(esp. of one who has been ill for a
long time) kudēndūka
(to be about to) kugoyagoya
(suddenly) kweguka, kugaduka
(suddenly and unexpectedly)
gukenyuka
143
(and break through to hollow
place) guhubura
(as chicken does) gukoba
(out grass rapidly) gusūriranya
(under crop, grass) kuzika
(up) gusibanganya
(up the earth) gutaba
(up sweet potatoes with fingers, or,
to make hole for setting out tree)
gukoba
(to be impossible to dig even
though water is on top) gutūta
digestive system ibihimba
vy'ihokwa
(-ka), inzira y'ibiribwa, ibihimba
vy'umubiri vyo guhokwa
dignity icūbahiro
dike (to ~ up) kugomera
dilemma urudubi
diligent (to be) gushiruka ubute
dilute gufungura
diluted (esp. milk or beer) -angu
diminish (vt) kugabanya, kugerura,
kugereranya, gutūvya
(vi) kubangūra, kugabanuka,
kugeruka, gutūba, kuyōka
disappear gukamangana, kuyōnga,
din (to fall with) guhongoroka
kuyōngayōnga, kuzimangana,
kurēnga
(suddenly as you watch) kunyika
dine (eat) gufungura
disappoint guhemuka, guhemukira
dining room irīro
disapprove (to look at another
dinner amazimāno, inzimāno
with disapproval) kurāba igitsūre
(showing disapproval on one's
face) ibitsongotsingo, or,
ibisingosingo
dip (in salt) kudūmba
(in sauce) gukoza
(water) kudaha
disaster ikiza
direct (to be) kubanguka
(to ~ towards) kwerekeza
(to make straight for) gutūmbereza
(to show the way, put on right
path) guhubūra, kuzimurura
discard (to) guta
directly (to be in front) guhangana
discipline indero
director umuyobozi
(cooperatives director) umuyobozi
w'ikoperative, w'ishirahamwe
(principal) umuyobozi w’ishule
dirt umwānda, ico, ubucafu
(esp. on body) ubuhoma, imvyiro
(in water) ikirohe
(in water, milk) igitotsi
(to have dirt in water, milk)
gutobeka
(to rubb off) guhungura
dirtiness umwānda, ico, ubucafu
(esp. on body) ubuhoma, imvyiro
(in water) ikirohe
(in water, milk) igitotsi
(to have dirt in water, milk)
gutobeka
(to rubb off) guhungura
dirty –bi
discarded (things) umwāvu
discern (to) kumenya
(to ~ oneself) kwīhana
disclose guhishura, guserura,
kunyegurura
disconcerted (to be) gutētērwa
disconnect (to) gutandukāna
discontentment umururazi, inzika
discontentment umwīkomo,
ishavu
discourage guhebūza
discouraged (to be) kwīhebūra,
kudundumirwa
(to be absolutely, in difficulty)
kuzigirizwa
(to be completely) kwīheba
(to be tired and ~) gucobogora
discourse (to give a) kugamba
(to be) guhumāna, gucafura
(to be very) gushisha
(to become, get) kwāndura
(~ oil) amavuta mabi ava mu
mashini
discover kwūbuka
disability ubumuga
discussion imbūrano, umubūrano,
disagree (to) guhāzāna,
igihāri, impaka, impāri
(to lead ~) kuremesha ikiganiro
kuvuguruza, guhīngāna, gutāta
(one who always disagrees in a
council meeting) ikirandamuke
disdain (to) guhinyura, gukēngēra
disagreement (to be in) gupfa
(~ the truth) guhinyura
discuss (to) guhārīra, gukiranira,
gutāta, kuvuga
disease indwāra
(AIDS) sida
(billharcia) birariziyoze
(boil, abscess) igihute
144
(burn) ubushe
(bronchitis) indwara yo mu
mahaha
(chicken pox) ibihara, agasāma
(diarrhea) ugucibwamwo,
uguhitwa, ugucisha epfo
(elephantiasis) imisozi
(epilepsy) intandara
(eyes: certain kind of
conjunctivitis) uburire
(fever) inyonko
(goiter) umwīngo
(gonorrhea) igisokoro
(leprosy) imibēmbe
(malaria) marariya, inyonko
(meningitis) umugiga
(mole) isunūnu
(mumps) amasambambwika
(pleurisy) umusōnga
(pneumonia) umusōnga
(recurrent fever) kimputo (Sw.)
(rheum, disease of eyes) ururire
(rheumatism) amakonyera,
imisozi, imikuku
(smallpox) akarānda
(sore, little) akarōnda
(syphilis) agashāngāra
(tick fever) kimputo (Sw.)
(typhus) tifusi
(tuberculosis) igitūntu, agatūntu
(ulcer) igikomere
(ulcer, bad) igisebe
(ulcer, pain from tropical) igitema
(wart) isunūnu, intongāngira
(whooping cough) akānira,
inkorora y'akanira
(yaws) ibinyoro
(cause of ~ something supposed to
be in person making him sick)
ibitēga
(person sick with wasting ~)
umunywera
(to be a contagious ~) kwāndukira
(to catch contagious ~) kwāndura,
kwāndukirwa
(to transmit) kwāndukiza
(to have an incurable ~) kugīrīra
(to improve, begin to feel better)
gutenzukirwa
diseased (body) akarohe
disembark (to ~, as airplane)
kugwa
disentangle (to) gusobanura
disgrace (to ~) guhinyuza
dispensary ivūriro
disturber umutāsi
disgrace agashinyaguro, icēyi
disperse gusāba, gusanzāza
ditch umufunegi, umufuregi,
umukuku, umuvo
(to bring) kugōka
disgruntlement umururazi, inzika
disguise gutwikīra
(oneself) kwīyoberanya
disgusted (to be, because of
frequency) kudunduhirwa
dish isahāne, isahāni
(meal) ivyokurya
(pyrex) ikirahuri gikomeye
bakoramwo ibikoresho vyo mu
gikōni
(to ~ up food) kwārura
(to do the ~es) kwoza ivyombo
dishcloth agahanaguzo k'imeza
dishonest (to be) kugūnga,
guheranira
(person) igihūmbu
dishonesty ubugūnge
dishonor ibara
(to ~) guhumānya
dishonour (to ~) guhinyuza
dishonour ibara
display (to ~) kugaragaza
displeased (to be ~ with)
divan idiva
dive (~ in, vi) gucokera, kwībira
guharuruka
disposition (person or animal of
(vt) gucokeza
very nice ~) ikirende
diverge kunyurana
dispute (to) guhiga, gutonganya
divide kugabanya, kugabura,
dispute impaka
disregard (to) gucōkōra, kugaya,
gukēngēra, gusuzugura, gutītūra,
kuzira, kwānka
disregard umugayo, akagayo,
agasūzuguro
(one who scorns others)
umucōkōranyi
(spit spurted from between teeth as
indication of) inyeri
(to ~) guhinyura, kunēma, kugaya,
gukēngēra
(to show ~ by spitting out)
gucīra inyeri
disrespectful (to be) kwūbahuka
dissatisfied (to be) kugaya
kugaburira, gutānya
(by lot) gupfīndana
(up loads among several)
kugabāngānya
(up work or load to make it easier)
kwīyorohereza
(to buy a thing together and then ~
it) gusorōra
dividend (math.) ingaburwa
divine guhinyuza, gupfīndūra,
kuragura, kuvōvōta
(to have a witch doctor divine)
kuraguza
(one who divines) umuraguzi
division amacakubiri, umuce,
urugabano, igice, igitēro
(where there has been agreement)
umucāno
(to ~) guhumānya
dissipated (to be) kuraramanga
disillusion gutītūra
dissolve (to) gushōnga
dislocate (a bone) guhinyagara
distance umwānya
(part of body, or things, vi)
gutirigana
(vt) gutiriganya
distended (to be) kubondōka
disloyalty
uguca kubiri n'amategeko
(anything that is ~ from others in
group) indobeke
dismayed (to be) kuranduka
distinction itandukāniro
umutima, kumāramāra
(to observe class ~) kuzīrōra
dismiss gusēzera, kwirukana
distinguish (to) gutandukānya
disobedience amanyama
distract gusamāza
kuzungurirwa, kurungurirwa
(to make) kuzērēra
disobedient (person) ikigānda,
distracted by (to be) kurangarira
do (to) kugira, gukora
intābwirwa, intabarirwa
(to be) kugambarara, kugāba,
kwānkika
disobey kugambarara, kugāba,
kwānkika
disparagement ugutyoza abandi
distinct (to be) gutandukāna
distress ubucumukure
(to be in) gucumukura
distribute kugabura, kugaburira
(gifts) kugaba
disturbance amarushwa
145
divisor (math.) ingabura
divorce (vi) kwāhukāna,
(vt) kwāhukānya
(changing wife or husband
frequently) ubumāka
(one who frequently ~) ikimāka
divulge gukerukiriza, gukerutsa
dizziness ikizunguzungu
(to experience ~) kuzērērwa
dizzy (to be) kuzērērwa,
(again) kwongera
(always) kwāma, guhora
(anyhow, in spite of) gupfa
(continually) kwāma, guhora
(the dishes) kwoza ivyombo
(even more) kurushiriza
(first) kubānza, gushūza
(forcefully) kwīhanukīra
(habitually) kumēnyera
(have too much to ~) kurēngerana
(the impossible) gufyidikīra
(~-it-yourself) ukugira
utugenegene
(housework) kugora
(one's duty) gushimika
(quickly) gukwākwānya, gushōka,
gusobaganya, gusūriranya,
gutebūtsa
(quickly and carelessly) kuraha
(quickly without thinking)
gusimbagurika
(~ not) -ōye (verb without
infinitive)
(reluctantly) kwīyumānganya
(a sloppy job) kurēngagiza
(something alone) kwīgūnga
(something by oneself without
authority) kwigenera
(something that causes pleasure or
amazement) gusamāza
(that which you declared you
would not ~) kwīrahuruza
(two things at once) kubāngikanya
(unwillingly) kugoyagoya
(unwillingly and complainingly)
kunyinkira
(the washing up) kwoza ivyombo
donkey indogoba, indogobwe
donut irindazi, igitumbura
door urūgi, umuryāngo, umwāngo
(piece of wood for closing)
ikibāndo
doorpost igishimaryāngo
doorway umuryāngo
(to close ~ with branches)
guhāngāza
dormitory indāro, irāro, icumbi
dot indome
(to put ~ on) kudomagiza
(to put many ~ on) kudomagura
double-minded (to be) guhugūmba
doubt (to ~) kwīyubāra,
gukekeranya, gushidikanya
(oneself) kwīkēkako
(to ~) gushushānya
(to take, draw) gucapura
drag (to) gukwēga
(along) kunyogōmba
(along quickly) gukūbēba
(along a very heavy thing)
gukurura
(on ground) gukūba
draw gukwēga, gusokōra
(lots) gupfīndana
(near) kwegēra
(pictures) gushushanya
(things back together) guhindānura
(up) gukōba
(water) kudaha, kuvōma
drawn (to be ~ to) kugomwa
(up, from cold or being burned)
gutetera
dread (to) kwīcura
dream indōto, inzozi
doubt ikēkwe
doubts amakēnga, amazīnda
(to not have) gushiruka amazīnda
dough (to mix) gucūmba
(to make a little) kuvurūnga
(to ~) kurōta
(to tell or explain ~) kurōtōra
drench kunyāgira
drenched (to be) kunyāgirwa
docile (person or animal) ikirende
doughnut irindazi, igitumbura
(to be thoroughly ~ and cold)
gutetera
dock (to ~ a boat)
dounbfounded (to be, in defeat,
dress (an animal) kubāga
kwēgera inkengera z'uruzi
surprise, misfortune) kwūmirwa
(to be with shame or fear)
gutētērwa
(to be with surprise or defeat)
kujorerwa, kujumarara
(to leave one ~, astound) kujoreza
(to render) kwūmiza
doctor umugānga, umuvūzi,
dogiteri
doctrine imyīgishe
dog imbwa, imbga, intozo, indura,
intoberwa
(female) imbwakazi
(wild, wolf-like) ibīngira
dove inuma
dress (wound) gusomōra
dress ikānzu (Sw.)
(to ~) kwāmbara
(oneself) kwīyambika, kwāmbara
(up) gushaza
(to be dressed becomingly)
kubērwa
(turtle-dove) intunguru
dressing ipansuma
dollar idorari
down epfo, hepfo
dried meat umurānzi
domestic animal igitungano
(down there) hepfo
(to be, to turn upside ~) kwūbika
(to put ~) guhwāmika
drift (gradual drifting)
dominate kugaba, guhahaza
(allow another to ~) guharira
downcast (to be utterly) kwījīrwa
don't (strong negative) -ōye (verb
dowry (price) inkwāno
without infinitive)
(to have dowry paid for) gukōbwa
(to pay) gukwa
(to receive) gukwērwa
done (to be easily or quickly)
kubanguka
(to have ~) kwīgera
(to have ~ recently) guherūka
draft igicapu, igicapo,
igishushānyo, ishusho, igishusho
146
akayōmbekēre
(to gradually drift off to sleep
while thinking) kuyāmīra
drink (anything to be drunk)
ikinyōbwa
(sweet banana) umutobe
(soft ~) ifanta
(to ~) kunywa
(to ~, of king) gukamagura
(animals, go to ~) gushōka
(after a meal) kwīshōza
(all there is in a container)
kwūgunyuza
(to cease to ~) guhodoka
(from a reed) gusōma
(from hollow of one's hand)
kwīyūhīra
(in) kubōmba
(to lead animals to ~) gushōra
(to make one ~, pour milk down
throat) kuramiza
(to refuse to eat and ~ with)
kunēna
(to go where others are drinking in
hopes of getting some) kuvūmba
drinker umunywi
drip kujējēta, kujōjōta, gutōnyānga
(med) ugutera iserumu
drive (a car) gutwara,
gutwara imodoka
(~ cows) kuyobora
(it home, enforce what one has
said) kuryōherereza
(out, esp. evil spirits) guhasha,
gusēnda
(stake in ground) gushīnga
driver umushoferi, umudereva
drizzle (light, fine rain)
urunyanyaga
drop (of liquid) ima, itōnyānga,
igitōnyānga
(to ~) gusekura
(to ~ fruit, tree) guhunguruka
(in water or food, vi) kudibuka
(to let fall ~ by ~) gutōnyāngiriza
(to let go of what you've started to
take or do) gutēzūra, gutēnzūra
(~ out of something because you
know you're in the wrong)
kwōnjorora
(one who keeps dropping things
here and there) umusābisābi
drop out (of school) gucikiriza
drown (vt) kudobeza
(vi) kudobera, gusōma nturi
drowsiness uruhuni
drug (medical) umuti
(narcotic) ikiyobezabwenge
drug addiction ikiyayuramutwe
(to put food in sun to ~) gukavya
(to put near fire to ~) gutara
(up) kugaduka, kugangara, gukaba,
gukama, gukamya
(up and be stiff, clothes or food)
gutetera
(up, breasts) gucūka
dry season ici
drugstore ifarmasi
(beginning of, about June) impēshi
drum ingoma
drying ukwanikira
(sacred royal ~) karyenda
(sacred ~ ”for whom one
ploughs”) murimirwa
(sacred ~ ”for whom one clears
brush”) ruciteme
(sacred ~ accompanying the king)
rukinzo
(sacred ~ ”dispenser of peace”)
nyabuhoro
(sacred ~ ”lady of the land”)
inakigabiro
(to beat ~) kuvuza
(to beat continuously, thus setting
time for others beating) gusāsīra
(stick for beating ~) umurisho,
umukembe
drum stick umukembe, umurisho
drummer (~ following the
movement of the dancer)
umuvuzamurishyo
(~ keeping the basic rhythm)
umukokezi
(traditional ~, "one who hits
hard") umutimbo
(members of drummer lineages)
abazimbura, abanyuka,
abanyakisaka
drunk (person) imborērwa
duck (to ~ to keep from being
struck) kuzibukīra
duck imbāti, imbata, igisapfu
duct (of water in heavy rain)
umuvo
(for irrigation) umugende uvomera
dude agashusho, agacapo k'umuntu
dugout ubwāto
dull (to be, instrument) gupfūha
dumb (deaf and dumb person)
ikiragi
dumbfounded (to be) kujorerwa,
gufata mpiri, kugwa mu gahundwe
dumbness (of speech) uburagi
dump (all out at once)
gucuncubura
(into something) kurotsa
dung amavyi, amase
(human) umusarani
dunk kudūmba, gukoza
durable (to be) kurama
(to be) kuborērwa, guhīmba
(to be ~ enough to feel important)
kudandahirwa
(to make ~) kuborēra
duration umwānya
drunkard imborērwa
(to ~ off) gupāngūsha (Sw.),
kwēyēra
during mu
dust umukungugu
dry (vi) kwūma,
dropper (med) agaharuramama
droppings (goat) amahenehene
dross (in metal) inkāmba
drought (of land) ukutamera,
igaduka, ukugaduka, ukugagarara
(vt) kwūmūtsa, kwūmya
(in sun or near fire) kumūkishirīza
(to be) kugaduka
(to become) gukanyuruka,
kwūmūka
(to become too ~ while cooking)
kuyēnga
147
dustbin ico batamwo umwavu
duty umurimo
(to do one's) gushimika
duvet (cover) igisaswa
dwarf igikuri
dwell kuba, kuguma, gutura
earthquake umushītsi, igishītsi
edginess amaganya,
dwelling place uburagamo,
(rumble of) umugigimo
(to quake) kunyiganyiga, gutigita
umwītwaririko, intūntu,
guhagarika umutima
earthworm umusiba
edible (things) ibiribwa
easily (to be done) kubanguka
educate (to) kumenyēsha, kurera
east iburasirazūba, ubuseruko
education indero, uburezi,
ubumenyi, ukwiga
ikiragamo
dye urushānga
(to ~) kuraba, kuziga
(barkcloth) kumesa
dyeing irangi
Easter Pasika
dying (person) umuhwēre
dyke (to ~ up) kugomera
eastwards iburasirazūba,
ubuseruko
easy (to be) kwōroha, gukūnda
E
each –ōse
eager (to be) kwītwaririka
eagerness ingoga
eagle inkona, impūngu, inkukuma,
ikinyakabaka
ear ugutwi
(to ~, grain) kubogeka
ear wax ubukurugutwi
(to clean out) gukurugutura
earlobe igishato c'ugutwi
effect ingaruka, igisubizo
effeminate (traditional gendercrossing priest) ikihindu, ikimaze
(~ to cut or pull, grass) kwāhirika
effort ukugerageza
eat kurya, gufungura, kunogera,
(to make an ~) kwāndāra, kugeza,
kugerageza
kunoza, kurandagura
(a lot) guhāga, guhīmba
(cause to ~ a lot) gupfunereza
(by sucking only, as candy)
kuyongobeza, kuyungubiza
(garden plants, of goats) kwōna
(to refuse to) kuzira
(to refuse to ~ or drink with)
kunēna
(together) gusangira
(to ~ what's left on peeling of
roasted banana, etc.) gukōra
(two kinds of food together)
gukoza
(with instrument) kurīsha
early kare
eaten (to be) kurībwa
egg irigi, igi
(boiled) uburyo bwo guteka irigi
mu mazi ntirishe nēza
(fried) ijisho ry'irigi
(hard-boiled) irigi ritetse mu mazi
(shell) ikibarara
(tiny) ubugi
(to lay ~) guta amagi
egg yolk umutugutu
eggplant intore, urutore
eggshell ikibarara
egoistic (to be) kwīgūnga,
kwīmana, kwīgūngirako,
kwīgūngagiza, kwīkūnda
(early morning) agahuru
(to start ~ in the morning)
kuzinduka
(also used meaning to have severe
pain)
earn (to) kwūnguka
eating (place) irīro
earnest (to be) kwītwaririka
eavesdropper igisokoro
(eight times) umunāni
earnestness umwēte, ifūhe
eavesdropping (information
eighty mirongumunāni,
(at a task) ubwīra
(to work with) gushira igikonyo
gained by) igisokoro
(to tell what one has heard while
~) gutumbūra
mirongwināni
earrings amahereni
echo (to make an) gusāma
earth (world) isi
(soil) agataka, ivu
(hard-packed) urutare
(interior of) ikuzimu, i kuzimu
(of reddish brown color)
inginagina
(to shake, vi) gutigita
(to slide) gutemuka, kunyika,
gusiduka
eclipse (of sun) ubwīrakabiri
Egypt Egiputa
eight umunāni
ejaculate (to) gusohora
elbow inkokora
elder umujēnāma, umukuru,
economy ubutunzi
umushīngantahe, umujanāma
(elders and rulers, esp. in regard
to their function of helping the
poor) barutungabōro
edge imbiga, urubiga, inkombe
elderly (person) umusāza
economical (to be) kuziganya
(of sword, knife) ubūgi
(of cloth) umusozo w'impuzu
elect gutora
elections amatora
earthenware inkono y'ibumba
(organize ~) gutegura amatora
ikayangana
148
(to win ~) gutsinda amatora
(to lose ~) gutindwa amatora
electrical power umuyagankuba,
umuyaga nkuba
electricity umuyagankuba,
umuyaga nkuba
employer umukoresha
endeavor ukugerageza
(my, our) dātabuja
(your) shōbuja
(his their) shēbuja
(to make an ~) kwāndāra, kugeza,
kugerageza
employment umurimo
empoison (to ~ by bewitchment)
elephantiasis imisozi, amafuni
kuroga
(to take a drink to prove it is not
poisoned) kurogoza
eleven icumi n'umwe
empty (to be) kugaragara,
elephant inzovu
elope (go to husband without being
properly married) gucīkira,
kwigemura
(to try to persuade to elope)
gucīkiza
kurāngāra
(to make) kugaragara, kugaragaza
(to ~ out) gusēsa
enable gushoboza
(~ to conquer) kunēshereza
eloquence imvugo
enamel igikayangana
(paired with physical strength,
seen as rare characteristic)
ijūnja n’ijambo
encamp (to) gucūmbika
eloquent (~ person) umuhānga
elsewhere ahandi
emaciated (to be) kwīraburanirwa,
kunyūnyūka
emancipated (to be) kwīganza
embark (to) kwūrira
enchantment (to overcome or
embroidery ubuhinga bwo kudesa
emigrate gusuhūka
empire ubwāmi
(at the king's court) ibwāmi, i
bwāmi
employee (paid worker)
umucāngero
(workman) umukozi
(someone instructed to work or
overseen at work) umuyoborwa
energetic (to be) gushiruka ubute
enforce (what one has said)
kuryōherereza
(the law) gutegeka
engage (to ~) gusezerana
engine imoteri
England Ubwongereza
enclose kuzūnguriza
enclosure urugo, igipangu (about
house and yard)
encounter guhūra
(suddenly) kwūbuka
kuremēsha, kurindīsha
(oneself) kwīrūra
(to ~ to make an effort)
gushīshikaza
embroider kudesa
umurwānizi
(to help another overcome an ~)
gukōndōrera
encircle gukenyeza, kuziguza
embarrassment akamāramāza
embrace (to) guhobera
enemy umwānsi, umumēnja,
engineer injeniyeri
encourage (to) kwīrūza,
embers ikara
enegetic (to be) guciririka,
gukovya, kwigumira, gushiruka
ubute, gushiruka umwēte
remove) kurogōra
embarrass gutēsha
embassy ambasade
endure kwīhāngāna, gushinyiriza
end iherezo, umuhero, ihero,
ubuherūka, impera, imperuka,
itahīriro
(~ of boat) umukōndo
(at the ~ of every year) uk'umwāka
utāshe
(to be the ~) kugwa mahera
(to be at an ~ of one's resources)
kuzigirizwa
(to be at an ~ of one's patience)
kudundumirwa
(to be coming to an ~)
guherengetera
(to come to an ~) guhenebēra,
guhera, kunyika
(to ~ a conversation) kwīkebanura
(to finish) guheza
English (person) umwongereza
(language) icongereza
engulf (down) kurotsa
(down water) kwātīra
enjoy (oneself) kugāzagāza, kudāga
(child)
enlarge gukaka, kwāgura, gukuza
(to be enlarged) kwāguka
enmity ubwānsi
enough (to be) gukwīra
(to be more than ~) gucāguka
(to be ~ for) gukwīrana
(to have) gukwīrwa
(it's ~) birabāye, karabāye,
birakwīye
(it's ~, as salt or medicine in
something else) gukora
(that's enough, it's fine) basi!
enquire (to) gushākashaka
enroll (to) kwāndikīsha
(oneself) kwīyandikīsha
ensnare akamashu, umutego,
ururiba
(to ~) gutega
enter kwīnjira
149
entertain (to) gusetsa
enthrone kwīmika
enthusiasm umwēte
(to make oneself ~ to another)
kwīgereranya
eternal (to be) kwāmaho, guhora,
guhoraho
equality uburinganire
eucalyptus tree umukaratūsi,
igikaratūsi
(to lose one's) kudehūra,
gutenzekanya, gutēzūra
equally hamwe
entice kwōrekēra
(to have good) gushira
impungenge
(to go to man's house to entice)
kwigemagema
entire -ōse, rwōse
equilibrium (lack of) impungenge
equitability uburinganire
erase gufuta, gusibūra,
eunuch inkone
Europe Uburaya, Buraya
evade kurementanya
evaluate (to) gupima, kwīyumvīra
entirely -ōse, rwōse
kuzimanganya
evaporate gukama
entrance irēmbo
eraser umupīra (Sw.)
even na, hamwe
erect (to stand) kwēma, kwemarara
even if naho
(for a long time) gushibama
(one who stands ~) umushibamyi
even though naho
(to king's kraal) ikirīmba
entrant umucīkire, incīkire
entrust kubītsa, kuzēza
(~ to) kurindīsha, gusigarana
(~ flock to another to pasture)
kuragiza
(~ something to another and it
increases while there) gutongoza
erection (to have an ~) gushukwa
evening (later afternoon)
umugorōba
(early) akagorōba
(when sun is very low but still
visible) ikirēngazūba
(to be or become ~) kugorōba
ikibītsanyo, ingwāti
err (to be wrong, to err) kwihenda,
kwibesha
(to err in counting or speaking)
kuyoba
(to err, be on wrong path)
kuzimagirika
entwine (vi) gusobana
error ifuti, ikosa, ikosha
ever na ntāryo
erupt (to) guturika, gusāba
everlasting (to be ~) guhoraho
eruption (to break out with a rash)
(~ love) akaramata
guturika
(to have an) guhurira
every –ōse
entrusted (thing ~ to another)
(vt) gusobanya
enumerate urutonde
(of chosen ones) itorero
(to ~) gutōndeka, gutōndēsha
enviousness ukwīpfūza
environment ibidukikije
envision (to) kwīhwēza
envoy intumwa, umutumwa
envy ukwīpfūza
epidemic ikiza
epilepsy intandara
escape (narrow) agahēngekezo
(festival day) ibirori
every day buri munsi, burimunsi
(to ~) kudohōka, gucīka, gutoroka,
kuzibukīra
(to barely ~ an accident) guhakwa,
kwēnda
(the memory) kuzīnda
(to secretly help someone to ~ by
taking his things for him)
kunyuruza
everyday buri munsi, burimunsi
escort (to ~ to a determined point)
(adj.) –bi
(to speak ~ of) gukana, kunegura
(to speak ~ of one another)
gucurikanya
(to speak ~ of a ruler) kuyoba
(to seek out ~ doer, witch doctor)
kuragura
(to have witch doctor seek out ~
doer) kuraguza
(to sprinkle 'medicine' around
house to protect it from ~)
kurēmbeka, gutota
epistaxis umwuna
kugeza
equal (to be) kungana, kuringanira
esophagus igihogohogo
(in length, height) kurēha
(to make ~) kuringaniza,
kunganya, kurēhēsha
(to not be ~ in length, height or
ability) gusūmbana
(to make ~ in length, height)
kurēsha
event (meeting) ikoraniro
especially cane cane
establish (to) gushiraho
esteem (to ~) guha agacīro
esthetic kiryoheye ijisho
estimate (to) kugereranya
150
everywhere hōse
(to spread ~) (see 'spread')
evidence icāgiriza
evident (to be) kugaragara
evil ikibi, ububi, inābi
(to chase away ~ spirits) gusēnda
(to succeed in persuading someone
to leave his ~ ways) gukōndōra
(speaking ~ of another with whom
you work) ikēba
(~ deed) ubuhūmbu
(example) akābarore
(~ language, esp. young girl's)
ubweruzi
(~ look) igitsūre
excrete kunya
exaggerate (to) gucobogoza
excuses (to make) kuzāngazānga,
exalt guhaya, kuninahaza
kudendekanya, kudendekeranya
exam ikibazo
exercise (in school)
examination ugusūzuma
examine gucaca, gucunaguza,
gucunaguriza, gupīma, gusūzuma,
guhwebutsa, kurāba
(to look intently at) kwihweza
(in prospect of bying) kugaragura
example icītegererezo, akarorero,
ikigereranyo
(evil ~) akābarore
(person to be imitated) iremezo
(to give an) kugereraniriza,
guha akarorero
exasperated (to be) kujīngitwa,
gushangashirwa
exceed kurēnga, gusūmba
(to cause to) gusūmvya
exceedingly cane
excuse (to) kubabarira, kuregūra,
gutūnga
(oneself) kwīregūra
excuse urwītwazo
(excuse me!, when interrupting)
untūnge
(excuse me!, when wrong word is
spoken) bambe
umwīmenyerezo
(in sports) ukwīnōnōra
(to ~) kwīmenyereza
(to ~ in gym class) gukeza,
kwīnōnōra
(to ~ an art, trade) guhīngūra
(~ book) ikaye
exercises (as at a celebration)
ibirorēro
exhaust gutamya, guheza
exhausted (to be) gucobogora,
gukenyukirwa, gusāba, kurangira
(utterly worn out by hard work)
gutama
exhort (to) kwīrūza, kuremēsha,
kurindīsha
(oneself) kwīrūra
(to ~ to make an effort)
gushīshikaza
except shiti, atari, ndetse, uretse
exhorter umusigūzi
excess igisāga
exhume (to) kuzūra
(to be in, left over) gusigara
indication of scorn) inyeri
(to ~) gucīra amate
(to ~ on) kuvuma amate
(~ up milk, baby) kubōga
(~ up phlegm) kuruka
expedite (to cooperate in getting a
job done quickly) gusahiriza
expenditure ibisohoka
expense ibisohoka
expensive (to be) kuzīmba,
guhēnda
experience (knowledge)
ukumenyēra
experienced (to be) kuzyātira
experiment ukugerageza
(to) kugerageza
expertise (knowledge) ukumenyēra
explain gufobōra, kugenekereza,
gusigūra, gusobanura
(fully till all understand) kurangūra
(poorly) gufobeka
(thoroughly) gutumbūra
(a dream) kurōtōra
(one who ~) umusigūzi
explanation insobanuro, insiguro
(to demand ~) gusigūza
explicable (to be) gusobanuka
explode (to) guturika, gusāba
explore (to ~) kurondera,
kugendura, gucukūmbura
explorer umushakisha
exile (to) kwāmbutsa
(internet ~) mushakisharubuga
(clothes or other article for a time)
kunyurānyura
(greetings) kuramukānya
existence ukubaho
export (to ~) gushora hanze
exit (to) gusohoka
express (one's thoughts)
excite gukarisha
exonerate (to) kuregūra
exchange gukāba, kugurāna
excited (to be) kwīshima
exclamation (of astonishment)
yemwe gaye!
(watch out!) mpore!
gukīmbūka
(oneself) kudendekeranya
exquisite -īza
exorbitant (to be) kuzīmba
extend (to) kwāgura
expect (to) gusamāza, kwīzigira,
exterminate gutikiza
excluding uretse
kurindīra
(to get a certain thing) kuziga
(to ~ a child) gukurirwa
excrement amavyi
expectorate amate, igikororwa
(human ~) umusarani
(spurted from between teeth as
151
extinguish (fire or light) kuzimya
extra (additional) inyongera
(to be left over) gusigara
(~ digit, toe, teat) indorerezi
extract gushikura
extraordinary bitangāje (from
gutangāza)
extremist intakonywa (from
kugōnda)
extremity iherezo
extricate (from difficulties)
kugobōtora
exuberant (to be) gukakama
eye ijīsho
(to close one's eyes) guhumiriza
(to cut ~ out) kunogora
(to fall into, or hurt) gutosekaza
(to get something in) gutosekara
(to make another close his)
kwūnamika
(top open) gukanura
(to open ~ of another) guhumūra
(to remove foreign body from ~)
gutosōra
(to wash in one's ~) kwīhumūra
(foreign body in) igitotsi
(matter in) ibikaragāshi
('sand', esp. a certain type of
conjunctivitis) uburire
('sand' on awakening) ibirashi
(tiny insect in) akanyarira jisho
eye pupil imbonero, imboni
eyebrow ikigohe, ikigohegohe
eyelash ingohe, urugohe, ikigohe
eyelid (turned back) igihenēhene
eyes amaso
F
fable umugani
fabulous nēza cane
face amaso, mu maso
(in his face) mu maso hiwe
(to be facing each other)
guhangana
(to make a ~ over something that
tastes bad) kunyinyirwa
(to put one's ~ in one's hands in
deep thought) kwitangira itama
(~ to ~) ubwāmāso,
imbonankubone
(showing disapproval on one's ~)
ibitsingotsingo
falcon igisīga
fall kugwa, gutēmba
(accidentally on spear and be
injured) gushōka
(and hurt oneself) kunywāguka
ikinyuko, igikunyuzo
(and skin oneself) gukungagurika
facilitation ubufashanyigisho
(before) kwikubita imbere
(down) kwikubita hasi,
facilitator umufashanyigisho
kwītēmbagaza
fact impamo, ibinyakuri
(down, as branches blown down)
(in ~) mbere
gukoragurika
(to know the ~ of a case) guhinyura (down, as house) guhenuka,
guhomyoka, gusambūka,
factory ihinguriro, uruganda
gusēnyuka, gusituka
(down continually or in
fad (to follow a) guharara
abundance) gukoragurika
fade kubēngūka, kubēnjūka,
(down together, usually in fright)
gusērūka
guhindikirana
(to cause to ~) gusērūra
(down from above) kweguka,
gukoroka, gushunguruka, gutibuka
fade away (to ~ from illness)
(from high above) guhanantuka
kwīraburanirwa
(from stalk) guhūnguka
(heavily, rain) kuzibiranya
fail gucumukura
(in cascade) gushunguruka,
(another) guhemukira
gusūma
(to accomplish what one started)
(in, cause to) gusitura
kugaburura
(in love) kubēnguka
(to do what one intended)
(into water or food) kudibuka
kudehūra
(not fall, rain) gutara
(to find) kubura, guhusha
(to the ground) guhūndagara
(to give what one promised)
(with) gukorokana
kugaramāngira
(with a din) guhongoroka
(to keep one's word) guhemuka,
(to cause to fall) kugwisha,
kwīrahuruza, gutēzūra
gukungagura,
gutēmvya
(to return) kugīrīra
(to
cause
to
fall
down) guhenura,
(in on'e task) gusibanganya
gusēnyura,
gukorora
(to be unable to do what one
(let fall drop by drop)
attempts) gutāna
gutōnyāngiriza
failure (result of ~ to keep promise)
fall down (vi) guhenuka,
urudubi
guhomvoka, gusambūka,
(to bring ~) gutāna
gusēnyuka, gusiduka, gusituka
faint kurāba
(vt) gusitura
(to be) kudendebukirwa
fallow (to lie) gusiba
(to feel) kuyāmīra
(from hunger) kugwīra isari
false (to reveal what is)
guhūmuriza
fainting (to come to after)
guhembūka
faltering person urudēndevu
(to revive after) kurabūka
fame inkuru, amakuru
fainting fit ukuraba
family indimwe, umuryāngo
faith ukwīzera
(last one of family who has no
children) imponnyi
faithful (to be) kuyoboka
(members of) abavandimwe
(~ person) umwīzigirwa
facecloth agafuko biyogesha,
152
famine ikigoyi, amapfa, ikiza,
father (my, our) dāta, dāwe, papa,
fearless (to be) guhangāra,
inzara
(to leave one's country because of)
gusuhūka
(to return after) gusuhūruka
da
(your) so
(his, her, their) se
(~-in-law) sebukwe
(~ of twins) sebabiri
kurīndūka, gushirukanya,
gushira amanga, gutīnyūka
famish (to) kwicwa n'inzara
fan (to blow off chaff) urutaro
fantastic bitangāje (from
gutangāza)
fatigue uburuhe, ubutame
fearlessness (because one knows
he is right) ubushizi bw'amanga
feasible (to be) gushoboka
feast amazimāno, inzimāno
faucet robine
fault agasūzuguro
(to give a ~ to) kuzimāna
(one who is in charge of food at)
umuteretsi
(very far away) ibushi
(in the future) kēra
(to find ~ with) gusūzugura,
gusūzuguza
(to look for a ~ in one another)
kugenzanya
feather iryōya
fare (price) ikiguzi
favor ubutoni
feature ibiranga
farewell (goodbye) gusēzera
(to ~) gushīnga
(to ~ unjustly) kubera
febrile (to be) kururūmba
far (away) kure
farmer umurimyi
farmyard igituru, ikirutu, idundu,
favorite (person) umutoni
(to ~ an arrow) gutanaga
February ukwēzi kwa kabiri,
Nyamagoma, Ruhuhuma
(~ child) umuhērerezi
(~ servant or friend) umwīshikira
(to be) gutona
feces (human) umusarani
gusurira
favoritism urwānkūnzi, ubutoni
kudunduhirwa
fart umusuzi
favour ubutoni
fee ikibuguro, ihadabu (Sw.)
fascinated (to be) gusamāra
(to ~) gushīnga
(to ~ unjustly) kubera
(paid for permission to buy or sell)
ingorore
(payed to shaman) ingemu
(to collect) kubuguza
(to pay) kubugura
idunda
fart (to ~, to pass gas) gusura,
fashion designer umuderi
favourite (person) umutoni
fed (to be ‘~ up' with something)
fast (to not eat) kwīsonzēsha
(~ child) umuhērerezi
(~ servant or friend) umwīshikira
(to be) gutona
feed kugaburira
fasten (to ~) kuboha, guhāmbīra
fear (to ~) kwīkanga, gutīnya,
feel kwūmva
(beans on hedge to dry) gushisha
(clothes at waist) gukenyeza
(cow's legs while milking) kujīsha
(firmly) kudādira
(neck of sack) kuniga
(oneself to) kwīhābīra
(rope) kudādira
(securely) kudaga
(together) gutubika,
gupfundikanya
(up a bundle) gutēkera
(with knot) gupfundika
(as goat in pasture) kuzirika
kugira ubwōba
(around for) gukabakaba
(to begin to ~ better after being ill)
gutenzukirwa
(to cause to ~ badly) gusurira
(faint) kuyāmīra
(joy, positive emotions)
kuryōherwa
(to make another ~ badly over
what he's done) gutēteka
(to not ~ anything) gutimba
(of) gukorakora
(pain) kubabara
(sad) gutunturirwa
(the way) guhwihwisha,
kujuragirika, gukāmbakāmba
(the way before one with foot or
spear) gukebagiza
fast (quickly) n'ingoga, vuba vuba
fat itōto
(meat) ibinure
(to be) kudoha, kuvyibuha
(to be, child) gushisha
(to be, meat) kunura
(to become) kudoha, kuvyibuha
fear ubwōba
(great) agatēngo
(of losing position) igihababu
(~ to hurt another because you
love him) impuhwe
(thing or person stricken with ~)
igihūmura
(to act or go secretly because of ~)
kwōmba
(to jump with ~, in heart)
guhahama
(to shout in sudden ~)
gutura ubuku
feared (that which is) igitīnyiro
fearful (to be) guhugūmba
feeler (of insect) uduhembe,
udutonzi
fatal (to be) kugīrīra, gukora
153
feeling (better) imisuhūko
(I'm better, he's better)
n'imisuhūko, n'imitende
feelings (hard) umwīkomo,
ikinūbwe
(to hold hard ~) kwīdōga
(to hurt another's ~) gusesereza
(to not show one's ~) kwīrengagiza
feet (see foot)
(at ~ of great person, i.e. in his
presence) inyōnga, inyundo
(to scrap ~ on floor, esp. because
of itching) gusyēgenya
fever (illness) inyōnko,
fighter umusīnzi
umururūmbo
(to seperate ~s) kubangūranya,
(temperature) umuriro, umucānwa, gutatūra
ubushūhe
figure (number) igiharuro
(to have high fever) umucānwa
ururumba (from kururūmba)
file (tool) itupa
feverish (to be) kururūmba
fill (to) kwūzuza, kwūzuriza
(to the brim) kunengesēra,
kunengeserēza
fiacre igāri, igāre (Rw.), umukogote (up) gupfunereza, gutsīndāza
(to ~ the gap, blank) gusubiramwo
fiance umukūnzi
ibitategerewe
few –ke, –keya, –kenya
fibers (to shave off ~ for thread)
gukubagura
filter (to ~ water) kumimina,
kuyōra amazi
(to ~ working) gushaza
fibre ubugwegwe
filter akayungiro
feline injangwe, akayabo, akayabu
fickle (to be) guharara, kurārāta
filth umwānda
fellow agashusho, agacapo
fiddle (monochord traditional
instrument) indigiti, indonongo,
akadonongo, izeze
final (adv.) -nyuma
gucudika
fidgeting (to sit) kuyugayuga
finally ubuherūka, aho rēro
female (suffix attached to moun) -
field ubwātsi, indimiro
find kurōnka, gusānga
kazi, e.g. imbwakazi
(battle) urugāmba
(corner belonging to each child)
icībare
(forsaken, abandonded) ikirare
(cultivated) itōngo
(to clean up) gukāngaza
(playground) ikibuga
(airfield) ikibuga c'indege
(fault with everything) kunēbagura
(new building site) kugerēra
(one's way after being lost)
guhubūka, kuzimuruka
(to be able to be found when
looked for) kurondereka
(to fail to ~) kubura, guhusha
(something you ~) ikinobano
fifty mirongwitānu
find excuse (to) kwīregūra
fig (fruit) insukoni
fine (fee) ihadābu, indishi
feign (to ~ beating) kugera
k'umuntu
fellowship (to have) gufatanya,
fence akarīmbi, ikirīmbi, uruzitiro
ferment (vt) kwāmbira
(vi) kubira, gututūmba
(quickly) gusaragurika
fermented (anything, beer)
inkarisha
fermenting agent umwāmbiro
fertilize kwōrohereza, gutabira
(fig tree) umusukōni
fertilizer intabire
fight (to ~) kurwāna, kunigana,
kurandagura, gusugurirwa,
fervor ububangutsi, ubukerebutsi
(vt) kurwānya
(~ and defete completely) kunūtsa
fervour ububangutsi, ubukerebutsi
(aggrevate a ~) kubūnga
festival (day) ikirori
(for) kumaranira
(for independance) kumēnja
fetch (to) kuzana
(in fun) gukubagura
fetish (bark cloth used as a thing of (one bigger than oneself) guhaga
(to pick a ~) gusōtōra
worship) indabe
(to
provoke a ~) gusōmborotsa
(gourd used) intendēri
(to
stop fighting) gutātūka
(heathen charm on head) urugori
(with
equal force) kurindana
(spotted barkcloth) indome
(things used in worship of
fight indwāno
Kiranga, thought to have special
powers) ubuzimuzimu
(charm) igiheko
154
finality itahīriro
fine sawa, nēza
(it's ~) ni sawa, ni nēza
finger urutoke
(thumb) urukumu
(index) nkumbaruboko
(middle) nsūmbazōse
(fourth) marere
(little) uruhererezi
(extra) indorerezi
finger snap inoni
(to) guca inoni
fingernail urwāra, inzāra
(to go under) gusesereza
(to scratch with) kwāga
fingerprint (thumb) igikumu,
ikinkumu
finish (vt) guheza, kwāhukānya,
first-born uburiza
kumara, kurangiza, gusōzēra,
gutōza, gushirīsha
(vi) guhera, kwāhukāna, kurangira,
gushira
(completely, vi) kwīramvura,
gukōmvōmvoka
(vt) gukōmvōmvora, kumarīra,
kumaramara, kunōnōsora,
guherengeteza, guheraheza
(each other off) kumarana
(food) gukōmba
(weaving an article) gusōza
(child) imfura
finished (to be) kurangira, guhera
fire umuriro
(bit of) umucānwa
(built for cows) icōtero
(made in enclosure for animals)
igicāniro
(to blow the) kwātsa
(to destroy by) kuyigiza
(to extinguish) kuzimya
(to go out) kuzima
(to keep ~ going) gucānira
(to light) kudomeka
(to make, start, build) gucāna,
gukongereza
(to put out) kuzimya
(to put wood on ~) gukomānya
(to set ~ to) guturira
(to fire from job, dismiss, throw
out of house) kwirukana
(altar fire) igicāniro
fire bank (wood that hold fire
through night) ikivumbiko
fireplace izīko (actually three
stones placed for ~), ifuro
firewood urukwi, inkwi
(to gather ~) gusēnya
firm (to be) guhangāra
flatterer umunyagahwāyi
firstborn uburiza
(child) imfura
flattery indyārya, uburyārya
fish (to ~) kuroba
flatulence imisuzi
fish ifi
flatus (to pass) gusurira
(a big) urufi
(huge variety) imvuru
(small kind of) indagara
flavor icānga, uburyōhe, ubusōse,
fish hook igera
fish-hook igera
akanovera
(thing with good ~) igisōsa
(to be of the ~ of) gusōsera
(to have good ~) gusōsa
flax igiterwa kivamwo inyuzi
fisherman umurovyi
fishing net urusēnga
fishing rod agati bashirako igera
flea imbaragasa
flee guhūnga, kurēnza
flesh inyāma, umubiri
fist igipfūnsi
(to hit with ~ repeatedly but gently, flex (joint) kugōnda, gukonya
mother with child) gutumagura
flexible (to be) kunōnōka,
fitness ubuzima bwiza
kunyoganyoga
fitted (~ carpet) imoketi, indava
flies (to shoo off from cows)
five -tānu, eshānu
kuzīnga
(five times) gatānu
flight uruhūngo
fix (up nice place to sit) gusēzera
fling (to) guta, gutēra
fixed (time, to set or await a ~)
kugerereza
flag ibendera
flail ikibāndo
(to ~, beans, grain) guhūra
flame urubeya
flannel ikigoma
flash (to ~, as lightning)
kurabagirana, kurabiriza, kuravya
(to make) kugumya
flashlight isitimu, itoroshi, itoci
first -ambere (preceded by class
prefix)
(~ of anything) intangamarāra
(to do ~) kubānza, gushūza
(to plant ~) gushūza
flat (area) igitega, ikiyāya
first aid ugutabāra
flatten-out (vi) kubāta
first fruits umushūzo
flatter (to) gusasa akarimi
(thing spread out ~) ikiramvu
(to be ~) kubāta, gutega
(to be ~, as plate) kugarama
(esp. of nose) gufyāta
(tr) . gufyāta
flattened out (to be) kubāta
155
(apart) gukumira
(at each other) gutēranya
(away) guta
(down) kujegeza
(down from above) gukorora
(forcefully) gushibura
(on ground) kwegura, gukungura
(out) gukugunya, kujugunyika
(stick on ground which tumbles
end over end) kubirika
(water) kumīja
float kureremba
flock isho, ubusho, urwūri
(of little birds) urwīha
(of sheep or goats) inzirikwa
(to entrust ~ to another to pasture)
kuragiza
(to watch flock) kuragira
flood ikidēngēri, umwūzure
(place where water has flooded)
isēsero
(to be flooded in house) kuvīrwa
floor hāsi
(on the) hāsi
foliage (to have abundant leaves
and branches) gusagaba
floppy (to be) guhuzēngwa
follow kugendanira, guherekeza,
flounce (of clothes) agatambaro
batera hasi ku mpuzu
flour ifu, ubufu
gukurikira, gukwirikira
(after) kunyurana
(closely) kwōma
(a fad) guharara
(old customs) kuzīrōra
(one after the other) gukurikirana
foolishly (to act) kwīfūtanya,
gusaragurika
(to act ~ in fun) kudāyāngwa,
gupfyina
(to speak ~) kudebagura,
gusaragurika
foot ikirēnge
follower umugendanyi
(of animal) ijānja
(of animal or person) umugere
(of bed) imirāmbizo
(of mountain) umucāmo
(into) gutēmbera
(out) kuvīra
(softly, quietly, water)
kuyōmbekēra
(let ~ from) kuva
following (the ~) ibikwirikira
football (ball) umupira w'amaguru
flower ishurwe
fondle (to) gukuyakuya
flourishing (to be, of growing
things) gushisha
flow kwiburuka, gutēmba
(calix) ingovyi
(stamen) umweza
(pistil) isage
(pollen) umurāyi
(ovary) intorobwa
flowing (gentle, of river)
akayōmbēro
flu ibicurane
flute (made of reed) umwīrōnge
flutter kugoyagoya, kuzāma
fly (to ~) kuguruka
(to ~ an airplane, as pilot)
gutwara indege
fly isāzi
(big, tsetse) ikibugu
(tiny) agatūku, ubutūku
foam ifuro
focus (to) gutūmbēra
foe umwānsi, umumēnja,
umurwānizi
(to help another overcome an ~)
gukōndōrera
fog igipfūngu
fold umupfunyu, umuzīngo
(for sheep) uruhongere
(to ~) gukuba, gukubiranya,
gupfunya, kuzīnga
(~ hands together) gufumbata
(beside) iruhānde, hambavu
(~ day) bukēye
(~ week) indwi iza
folly ubupfu, ubusazi
fontanel uruhorihori
food indya, ibifungurwa,
imfungurwa
(food that needs to be cooked)
igitekwa
(baby ~) umusururu
(big portion of) irobe
(and drink of rich man, ruler)
igiturire
(for a journey) impāmba
(without salt) ibise
(one in charge of ~ at a feast)
umuteretsi
(place where ~ is plentiful)
amasumo, ubusumo
(to be burned slightly) kuyēnga
(to become too dry in cooking)
kuyēnga
(to burn, vi) kuzigira
(to dish up) kwārura
(to eat, to serve) gufungura
(to get ~ for oneself) gutāra
(to go to find ~) gusuma
(to go together to produce ~ for
guests) gutērēra
(to quickly make ~ for one) kuzina
(to serve) gufungura
(to try to find ~ for unexpected
guests) kwīyambagura
fool (to) kubēshabesha
(game) umukino w'amaguru
footprint ikānda, umwānza, akēhe
footstep (to walk in ~ of another)
kugera ikirēnge
footstool (used by king or chief)
indāva
forbid (to) kwāmira, kwīhaniza,
kuziza, kuvuna, kubuza
forbidden (to be) kuzira
(thing) ikizira
force (to) kugōbēra, guhadikiriza,
kuzingirikira
(someone to do something against
his will) guhāta
(to obey) kugandūra
(to lose original ~) gutītūra
forcefully rugabo
ford (in river) icāmbu
forearm ikizigira
forecast (to ~ weather by sky)
kugenzūra
forecast ihanurwa
forehead agahānga, uruhānga
foreign body (in eye, milk, water)
igitotsi
foreign country ihānga
foreigner umunyamahānga,
umunyankīko, akavāntāra
(from across border) injabuka
fool igihūza, ikijūju, umutūngu
foolish (to be) kujūjūta, gusara
(person) injurajuzi, igipfu
156
forerunner (one who prepares for
another) integūza
foresight imigabo
(lack of) igihababu
forty mirongwine
freedom umwīdegēmvyo,
forward (to go) gutēra imbere
ubwigēnge
(to have) kwīdegēmvya
foretell kubūrira
(to go ~ little by little)
kwūngururuza
(to go steadily) kuramiriza
forever (to be ~) guhoraho
found (to be ~ so) kumera
forest ikibira
(~ love) akaramata
forewarn (to) guhanūra
foundation urufatiro, iremezo,
freezer imashīni ikanyisha
French (person) umufaransa
(language) igifaransa
(french fries) ifiriti
itanguriro
frequent (to) kugēndagēndera
fount umugezi, isōko, imbizi
fresh –bisi
(thermal ~) amashūha
(to be) kurēmba
fountain umugezi, isōko
fret (tu fume and ~) kwīdōga
(to cause to) kwibagiza, kuzīnda
(for a moment) guhūndukwa
(how to do something once known)
guhuna
four -ne, ennye
Friday kuwa gatanu
four-sided (figure) urukiramēnde
(freezer) imashīni ikanyisha
forgetful (to be) kugira amazīnda
fowl inkoko
fried egg ijisho ry'irigi
(hen) inkokokazi
(rooster) isāke
(wing of) icūbi
friend umugēnzi
(be willing to be admonished)
gukūrwakw ijambo
forge (metal) gucura
forget kwibagira, kuzīndwa
forgetting (one's skill) uruhuni
(four times) kane
fridge frigo, firigo
fraction igice, ikimānyu
(close ~) umukūnzi
(intimate ~, the one you share your
last hidden food with) somambike
(most intimate ~, ”you die - I die”)
pfampfe
(to visit a ~) kubūngirana
(to ~) kubabarira, kurekurira,
guharira
fracture (bone) imvune
friendship (to have ~ with)
fork ikanya, ifurshet
guhōmba, gukenyuka
fries (french) ifiriti
form (design) ishusho
fragment ikibarara
fright (to fall down together in)
form (to ~, as mould) kubūmba,
fragrance ubumōte, akamōto
gufyātura
(to ~ grains) guhūnda
fragrant (to be) gutāmirana
formerly mbere
framework (of house) urukānka
fornicate (to) gusāmbana, kwenda,
kurya umwana
(of branches on which smaller
ones are interlaced) ikoma
forsake guheba, guhuma
franc ifaranga
(one another) kuvāvānura
(to succeed in persuading someone
to ~ his evil ways) gukōndōra
France Ubufaransa
forgive kubabarira, guharira,
kurekurira
fowl isāke, inkoko
forgiven (to be ~) kurekurirwa,
fox imbwēbwe
guharirwa, kubabarirwa
forgiveness ikigōngwe
forsaken (field) ikirare
gucudika
fragile (to be, esp. clay pots)
(oil) isenga
(5 franc piece) ikingōrongōro
fraud (to) kuzīmba
(thing) akāhebwe
fray (to ~) gusohoka kw'impuzu
fortunate (person) umuhīrwe
free ku buntu
(to be) gucuna, guhīrwa,
kuroranirwa
(e.g. yampaye ku buntu)
(to ~, to clear) kugobōtora
fortune (good) ihīrwe, ubuhīrwe
freed (to be ~ from speech defect)
kugobōdoka
157
guhindikirana
frighten kudigiriza, gukānga,
gutīnyīsha, gutēra ubwōba,
kuvyigiriza
(away with shouting) kwāmira
(unintentionally) gukangīra
(to make a loud frightening noise)
guturagara
frightened (to be) guhagarika
umutima, gucīka ivutu
fringe ubusage, ubuyōnga
fritter irindazi, igitumbura
frog igikere
front (in ~ of) imbere
(to be directly in) guhangana,
gutūmbēra
frost igikonyozi
froth ifuro
(to ~) kubīmba ifuro
frown ibitsingotsingo,
ibisingosingo
(to ~ at) kunyinyirwa, kurāba
igitsūre
fruit icāmwa, imbuto
(to bear) kwāma
(to cease to bear) kwāmurura
(to drop, tree) guhunguruka
(to gather) kwāmūra
(stewed ~, ~ compote) ivyāmwa
bitekanye isukari
fruit tree igiti c'ivyamwa
funnel umubirikira
funny (to be) gusetsa
fur ubwōya
furnace itanure
furniture imbombovu
furthermore ikigeretseko, bitayeko,
gasoline ibitoro, igitoro ca essence
fuse urutsinga ruba mu matara
gasoline drum ingūnguru
y'umuyangankuba
future kazoza
(far in the ~) kēra
G
gadabout (one who doesn't stay
home) igihūmbu
fry gukarānga
batekamwo ifiriti
frying pan ipanu
fuck (to ~, only used of men, rude)
guswera
(to ~, only used of women, rude)
guswerwa
(to ~, to fornicate) kwenda,
kurya umwana
gasp guhumēka
gate irēmbo
gatepost inkīngi, igikīngi
ikirūmbirane
(to be, plants) kurūmba
frying fat amavuta acemutse
garrulous (to be) kurimbūra
kāndi
fruitless (thing, plant)
fruitlessly (in ~) ubusa
(of barkcloth, nicely sewn)
indemano
(outer) ipfūndo, umutamana
(that is too big) igisāga
(that isn't very long) igikwēmu
(with sleeves or armholes)
umwīnjiro
gaily (to go) kudayadaya
gain (to gain) kwūnguka, kurōnka
(to ~ position) kwātirwa
gain inyungu, imāri (Sw.)
gall indurwe
gamble gukubita akamāri
gather kumyōra
(building materials) guhumbira
(firewood) gusēnya
(food from garden) gusoroma,
kwāha
(fruit) kwāmūra
(in loose garment at waist and tie)
gukenyera
(little sticks) gutōrōra
(manure for garden) kuvūmbura
(up) kwāndura, gusorōranya,
gutororokanya
(pollen and nectar) kudaha
(up grass that has been spread out)
gusasūra
fuel igitoro
game (play) igikino, urukino,
umukino
(game field) urukino
(traditional board ~) igisoro,
urubugu
full (to be) kwūzura
gangrene ukubora kw'igikomere
(to be homosexual) kunōnōka
gaol ibohero, umunyororo
gazelle ingeregere
garbage umwāvu, umucafu
geld (to) gukona, gushāhura
(~ can) ico batamwo umwavu
(castrated male) inkone
garden umurima
gem (jewel) urutabonwa
fucker umuswezi
(to be absolutely ~ to brim)
gutētera
(to be almost, waterpot) gucagatira
(to overflowing) kubōga,
kubōgabōga
(too full) gufunereza
(having eaten, or full of air)
kubobōka
gay (homosexual person)
umutinganyi, umukonotsi,
umuswezi, umubidadi, umugeyi
gay (to be happy) kunēzērwa
(to gather from) kwāha, gusoroma
gender igitsina
garden shears umukasi
full stop (punctuation) kaburūngu
w'amababi, umukasi minini
generosity ubuntu
full-cheeked (to be) gushisha
gardener umurimyi
genial (to be) kuba ikirende
fume (and fret) kwīdōga
garland umwīshwa
(person of very nice disposition)
ikirende
fun ubuhīrwe
garment umwāmbaro, impūzu
gentle (to be) kwengēnga
funeral iziko
(for work) icāmbazo
(long) umwitēro
(long, trails on ground) imvune
gentleman umuninahazwa,
umutūngwa, umwūbahwa,
(of animals) ihambwa
158
nyakubahwa
(in adressing him), umupfāsoni
Germany Ubudagi
iganūke
(nothing expected in return)
impāno
(to chief to get something from
him) ingororano
(to make up for offending
someone) icīru
(to offer ~) gutereka, gutūra
(to pass out ~, distribute) kugaba
(to present, with something
expected in return) kugemura
germe (sprout) umunago
giraffe umusumbarembe
gently buhoro, buhoro-buhoro
genuine nyakuri, nyāyo
germ umukorobe
German (person) umudagi
(language) ikidagi
(tiny, of bean or other plant)
umugoreko
(new shoots of grass, fresh
pasture) umugutu
(to send forth shoots) gutōha
girdle umukānda
(to wear a) gukenyera
(with) gukenyeza
girl umukōbwa, umwīgeme
face in surprise) kujorerwa
(~ reaching age of puberty)
umuzēzwa
(teenage ~) inkumi
(beautiful ~) nyiramwiza
get kuronka, guhabwa
give guha, guhēsha, gutānga
(angry, suddenly when one has
been talking nicely) kugangabuka
(big, skin in water) kubōmbōka
(close together) kwegerana
(dark, late) kwīra
(dirty) kwāndura
(food for oneself) gutāra
(~ out of the car) kuva mu
modoka, gusohoka mu modoka
(~ out of my way!) have! vaho!
(~ out of there) have, vaho
(left behind as you stare at
something) kurēngāra
(something in eye) gutosekara
(thin) kugeruka
(thin, very) kugōgōra
(up) guhaguruka, kuvyūka
(up, quickly) kubaduka
(up, to help another ~) kuvyūra
(back) gusubīza
(back cow, calf to one from whom
one received a cow) kwōkōra
(birth) kuvyāra
(birth, cow about to ~) kudigiriza
(cow a second time to one who has
brought many gifts) guhetera inkoni
(example) kugereraniriza,
guha akarorero
(gift to bride so she will talk)
guhorōra
(give me...) mpa
(good measure) kunengesēreza
(in to) kurōnsa
(information) kurangīra
(life to) kubēshaho
(more) kwongera, kwongeza
(oneself to) kwīhāmbīra
(oneself to service of Kiranga)
kubāndwa, kuvōvōta
(over a possession) kwegura
(penuriously) kuzirukanya
(pledge or security) kugwatiriza
(present) kugabira
(refuse to) kwīma
(refuse to ~ another his own)
kugūnga, kwīmana
(sacrifice) gushikana
(someone a hand) gusahiriza
(someone a heavy load) kuremēka
(to) guha, guhēra, guhēreza,
kurōnsa, gushikiriza
germinate (to) kumera
gesture (to put one's hand to his
get on (to) kwūrira
ghost umuzimu, igikānge
giant ikigambati
giddiness ikizunguzungu
(to experience ~) kuzērērwa
gift ingabano, ingabire, ishikanwa,
itūro, ingemu, ikado
(of appreciation or thanks)
ishīmwe, igishīmo
(given on return from journey)
159
(to each other) guhāna
(to each other often) guhānahāna
(to one whose house has burned)
gusuhūza
(talk) kugamba
(up everything) kwīgura
(warm welcome, one does not say
it of himself) gukēra
give evidence (to ~)
gushīnga intahe, guhamya,
kwāgiriza
(fearlessly in behalf of another)
kwemānga
give example icītegererezo,
akarorero
(to ~) guha akarorero
giving up (after trying several
times) ibise, (rare word)
glad (to be) kunēzērwa,
guhīmbārwa
(to make) kunēzēra, guhīmbara,
kunēzereza
glance (at) kurerembuza
glanders ibiseru vyo mu zūru
glass ikirahure, ikirahuri (Sw.)
glasses (spectacles) ivyīrori,
ibirorero, irori
glean guhumba, gutōrōra
gleanings ibihumbwa
glisten gukayāngana
glistening (to be) gukayangana
gloat (over)
kwītāmba ku muvyimba
glorify guhaya, guhayagiza,
gushimagiza
glory ubwīza
(~ in) kwīrāta
glossy (to be) gukayangana
glutton umunoho
gnat agatūku, ubutūku
go kugenda, kwigira, kuja
(after) kugīra
(ahead a little) kwūnguruza
(all through a house) kuvōgera
(around) kuzunguruka, gukīkira,
gukīkuza, kuzīngūka
(around difficulty) kuzunguruka
umutego, gukikuza umutego
(around 'Robinhood's barn')
gukingitiranya
(aside with someone to talk
privately) kwīkebukana
(astray) kuzimira
(away secretly) kwīdohōra
(back and forth) kunyura
(back on what he said, make one)
kurahuruza
(backward) kwītūtānya,
kugēnda umugōngo
(backward inadvertently)
gufūtānya
(beyond) kurēnga
(by car) kugēnda n'umuduga
(by boat) kugēnda n'ubwato
(by land rather than cross river or
lake) guca i musozi
(carefully not knowing path)
kwātīra
(elsewhere) kugerēra
(everywhere) gukwiragirana,
guhetūra
(far away) kwāmbuka, guhaba
(for food) gusuma
(forward) gutēra imbere
(forward little by little)
kwūngururuza, kwūnguruza
(forward steadily) kuramiriza
(for a walk) kugēndagēnda
(from one thing to another)
kurārāta
(from place to place) kunyuragiza,
kuyugayuga
(gaily) kudayadaya
(here and there, child) kurērēta
(home) gutāha, kuganūka
(home from work) kugodoka
(home, of wife when angry)
kugēnda buje
(into danger without regard to
oneself) kwīroha
(let's go!) hoji, hogi, tugende
(naked) gufurama,
kugēnda amēnya, kugēnda gusa
(on tiptoe) kuyōmbōka
(out, fire, light) kuzima
(out to a certain place) gusokoroka
(outside) gusohoka
(to prepare to go) kwīkora
(quietly) kuyōmbōka
(rapidly) gukinagira
(reluctantly) kwīyumānganya
(right in path, animal) gutōta
(round) gukikuza
(secretly because of fear) kwōmba
(seperate ways) gutāna
(slowly) kugoyagoya
(slowly, of convalescent) kwāndāra
(softly) kuyōmbōka
(steadily forward) kuramiriza
(stealthily) kunyobanyoba,
kwiyombayomba, kuyombayomba
(straight forward) gutūmbereza
(through a narrow pass)
kunyegētera
(to bed) kuryāma
(to chief or superior for
something) kwītwāra, gushengera,
gushengerera
(to find food) gusuma
(to help another in his work)
gusāsīra
(to meal uninvited) kwigemagema
(to meet) gusanganira, gutegēra
(together to produce food for
guests) gutērēra
(together to see, crowd)
gukōndōrera
(toward) kurora, kwerekera,
kwerekeza
(uncertain of the way)
guhushagirika
(uncertainly) kudāguza
(up, as hill) kudūga
(up in smoke) gupfūnduka
(walking, esp. at night) kwīkanya
(to wedding) gutāha ubukwe
(well, to cause to ~) kugēnza
(with) kwāmbukana, kujāna
gobble (down) kurotsa
(down water) kwātīra
God Imāna, Mungu (Sw.)
(who is all seeing) Indāvyi
(the Creator) Rurema
(the Lord, Eternal One) ūhoraho
God bless you Imāna ibahezagire!
God's time igihe c'imana
godliness ubumāna
goings and comings amaja
n'amaza
goiter umwīngo
gold izahabu
gonad ivya
gonorrhea igisokoro, imburugu
good (the good) icīza
(adj.) -īza, nyāwo, nyāyo, nyāco
etc.
(noun) inēza
(economy) icemezo co gufata
ibintu
(to be good ostensibly but not
really) kwīyorobeka
(to become good after being bad)
gufūtānuka
(to make good) kuryōsha
good afternoon mwīriwe (used
any time during the day or evening
when greeting one after first time)
good citizenship urukundo
rw'igihugu c'amavukiro
go phut (to ~, to pass gas) gusura,
good evening mwīriwe (used any
gusurira
go-between (in a marriage)
time during the day or evening
when greeting one after first time)
umureshi
(to act as) kurehereza, kuresha
good hearted (to be)
(to reach, achieve a ~) gushika
kw'ihangiro
kugira umutima mwiza
(to be very ~ to) kubukabuka
(~ person) umushiranzigo,
umwēranda
goat impene, intūngwa, igitūngwa
good looking (to be) kurābika
goal akamaro
(heard of) inzirikwa
(male) impfizi
(young male) agasugurume
(skin for carrying baby) ingovyi
(billy ~) isuguru, ihebe
160
good morning (greeting) bwakeye,
mwaramutse
(to tell chief or superior that
someone sends in 'bwakeye')
gukānda
good-bye n'agasaga, n'akagaruka,
n'agahindukira, n'agahumuza,
n'agahwane, n'akababa, n'akaza,
n'akabandanya, n'akazoza, buroca,
turabonanye, ku Mana,
ndakwinyungushuye
(to superior) ndakwikebanuye,
ndikebanuye, ndigaranzuye
(to bid) gusēzera
good-hearted (to be)
kugira umutima mwiza
(to be very ~ to) kubukabuka
(~ person) umushiranzigo,
umwēranda
good-looking -īza
good-night ijoro ryiza
goodbye n'agasaga, n'akagaruka,
n'agahindukira, n'agahumuza,
n'agahwane, n'akababa, n'akaza,
n'akabandanya, n'akazoza, buroca,
turabonanye, ku Mana,
ndakwinyungushuye
(to superior) ndakwikebanuye,
ndikebanuye, ndigaranzuye
(to bid) gusēzera
goodness (one who has) intwāri
goodnight ijoro ryiza
goods (merchandise) ibicuruzwa
goose (wild) igisafu
gooseberry intumbaswa
gorge (down) kurotsa
(down water) kwātīra
gorgeous -īza
gospel (good news) ubutumwa
bwīza
gossip urusaku
(broken) ibibarara
(as object of worship) intendēri
grant to guharira
govern (to) kugānza, kurōngōra
(grapevine) umuzabibu
(a country) gutwāra
(in name of) gutwārira
grape uruzabibu
(state) leta
grasp (to take hold of person)
gushorerakw amaboko
(in preparation to strike)
kubangura
government offices iboma
grass ivyātsi, ubwātsi
government ubugavyi
graduate (to) kurangiza
(kind poisonous to cows) inzūzi
(pieces of a certain kind used for
weaving) agatēte
(tall) ubwātsi
(in water) igikāngaga
(~ knife) umupānga
(to cut) gukera, gukerera, gutema
(to cut for use) kwāhira
(to dig out rapidly) gusūriranya
(to gather up that which has been
spread out) gusasūra
(to leave grass growing in kraal)
gutongoza
(to spread) gusasa
(to spread around something, as
coffee) gusasira
(to weed out quickly) kurandagura
graft (tree) kumadika
grasshopper agahōri, igihōri,
government official bulamatāri
(Sw.), umusirikāre
gown ikānzu (Sw.)
grab gucakīra, kuraha, kuramira,
gushikura
(by neck) kuniga
(quickly) kunyakura
grace ubuntu
graciousness ubukūndanyi
grade (school ~) inota
grade level umwaka w’ishule
uruyige
grafted-in (branch) ingurukizi
grated (cheese, vegetable)
grain impeke, intete, urutete
(a single) agatete
(place for spreading out) imbuga
(storage place) ikigega
(to crush before grinding)
kuvūngurīsha
(to form) guhūnda
(to rub to take off chaff) kuvūngura
agahuruzo
grave imva, icōbo
grave-digger (one who helps bury)
umuhāmvyi
gravel umucānka
graveyard itōngo ry'abapfu
gram igarame
grammar indongōramvugo
grand-child umwūzukuru
(in whispers) ivyōngoreranyo
(to ~) kuregeteranya, gusakuza,
kuregeteza, kuregetereza
grand-father (my, your, our)
gossiper akagūma
grand-mother nyogokuru, nyōkuru
gossiping ukuvuga nabi abandi
grandchild umwūzukuru
gourd igikunga, ikirende,
umutānga
(long) umukuza
grandfather (my, your, our)
sōgokuru, sōkuru
(his, their) sēkuru
sōgokuru, sōkuru
(his, their) sēkuru
grandmother nyogokuru, nyōkuru
161
gray -vivi, agahīza, uruhīza,
akavūzo, uruvūzo
(~ hair) uruvi, uruvivi
graze (to ~) kurisha
grazing (belonging to great chief)
icānya
(fresh, new shoots of grass)
umugutu
(to ~, vi) kwāhuka
(to ~, vt) kuragira, kurīsha
(animals in good place) kwāhura
(in greener pastures, vt) kugisha
(to lead cows to) guturutsa
great (important) –kuru
(to be very) guhāmbāra
(person who is great, severe, wise)
akaranda
(poorly, coarsely) guhera
(quickly) gukwemagura
(to crush grain before grinding)
kuvūngurīsha
growl (dog) kugangāra
greed ipfa
grinder agasyanyama
grub igikogoshi
greedy (to be) gusahagura
grinding insya
(for a certain food and want that
only) kunohorwa
(stone) urusyo, irtyazo
(of teeth) insya z'amēnyo
green akaātsi gatoto
gripe kwīdōga
grudge umujinya, ishavu, inzika,
inzigo, igono
(lasting) isata burēnge
(that never ends) akazika
(to have ~ against) gukanira
(unripe, of certain fruits) –toto
(to become green, as grass when
rains begin) gutōha, gutotahara
green bean umubimba,
umukonyogo, umukerere
greens inyabutongo, ubwākara,
imbwija, imboga
greet gusanganira
(by oneself in person or in letter)
kuramutsa
(for) gutahiriza
(for another) gutāsha
(one another) kuramūkanya
greeting indamukanyo
greetings (to bring, bear ~)
(child that doesn't ~ properly)
imfunnya
grit (teeth) gukōmanya,
kuzyēgenya
(to avoid showing pain)
gushinyanga, gushinyiriza
grudgingly ikinūbwe
groan umuniho, akaborōgo
grunt (dog) kugangāra
(to ~) kuniha
groceries insumano
grocery insumano
groom umukwe
ground (earth) isi
(on the) hasi
(dug up but not planted) amasinde
(to put on) gutereka
(to throw stick on ~ and it tumbles
end over end) kubirika
grumbler umutāsi
grumbling umwīdodōmbo
guard umurīzi, umurīnzi,
umunyezamo, umuzamu (Sw.)
(esp. daytime) umusānzi
(one who stands on ~)
umushibamyi
(to ~) kuzigama, kurinda
(to be on ~) kuba māso, kugaba
(oneself) kwihahiriza
(watch over carefully) kugendeza
guardian (one who rears child)
umurēzi
gutāsha
(to send ~) kuganūka, kuganūtsa
ground (to be ~) gusēbwa
guave ipera, ipera y'ikizungu
grey -vivi, agahīza, uruhīza,
groundnut icēma, ikiyōba
guess gupfīndūra
akavūzo, uruvūzo
(~ hair) uruvi, uruvivi
(to put ~ in food) gutotera
group umuce, umuco, igico
gridiron akayungiro
grief umubabaro, amaganya,
agahīnda
(to be in) kuganya, kuganyira
(to torment oneself with)
kwīyambagura
grieve (vi) gutuntura
(over) gutunturirwa
grieved (to be) kwiganyira, kwītsa
umutima
grill akayungiro botsako
grilled meat uburyo bwo kwotsa
grimace kunyinyirwa
grind gusya, gukwema, kunoza,
kumenagura, gusyokora
(in wooden mortar) gusekura
(of people) umurwi, intēko
(of people, moving along) akavuvu
(standing or sitting) akarwi
(to be in large ~, cows or people
standing) gusagaza
guest umushitsi
(to go together to produce food
for) gutērēra
(to have a ~ arrive just as food is
all consumed) kwēnzūra
guest room icumbi
grow gukura, kwāruka, gukaka
guide umurōngōzi
(after cutting) kunaga
(larger, esp. moon) gutūbūka
(let hair ~ long) gutongoza
(old) gutāma
(rapidly in spurts) kuvugumuka
(smaller, sometimes used of moon)
gutūba
(to cause to grow) gukuza
(to not ~, plant) kunyigīra
(to not ~, because of too many
seeds) kuzīnga
(very fast, child) kugurugūmba
(well) kubaduka
guilt (to acknowledge to oneself
one's ~) kwīrimbūra
162
guinea pig imbeba y'ikizungu
gulf ibēnga
gulp (down) kurotsa
(down water) kwātīra
gums ibinyigishi
gun ibundūki, ingōho
gush (of water, blood) umupfūnda
gutter umufurege, umuserege,
ikanivo
hamper (to) gutega
guy agashusho, agacapo k'umuntu
(back of) igikōnjo
(palm of) umunwe, urushi,
ikiganza
gynaecology ubuvuzi bw'indwara
z'abakenyezi
H
habit ingeso, akamenyēro
habits imico
(to have a bad habit, having been
good) gufūtāna
habitually (to do) kumenyēra
hack (trees) guhīmbura
(with axe) gukera
(with hoe or other instrument)
kujema
(with sword) gukekana
(up in pieces) gucagagura
(off) gutandukāna
haemorrhage ukuvirirana
hail urubura
hair (of baby) imvanda
(bit on top of head) isūnzu
(of human head) umushatsi
(except of human head) ubwōya
(one) urwōya
(pubic) inzya
(hair line) amasoso
(long with mud in it) ubusage
(tan in color, goats) umufumbēre
(white from old age) imvi, uruvi
(to cut) kumwa
(to dampen before cutting)
kuvubika
(to have long) guhīmbira
(to have shaved off) kwīkemūra
(to let grow long) gutongoza
hair tuft isūnzu
hairdresser kimyozi
hand ikiganza
umwīkomo
hands (to close together)
gufumbata
(to pour water on another's)
kwūhīra
(imperatif: ”hold out your ~!”)
tega iminwe
(to lay ~ on) kurambikakw
ibigānza
mazi
handsome -īza
hard-packed earth urutare
(person) umuhizi
hare (animal) urukwāvu
handsomeness ubuhizi
harlot maraya (Sw.)
(with good character) intōre
hard hearted (to be) gukomāntara
(to make) gukomāntaza
hard person umuhāmbāzi
hard-boiled egg irigi ritetse mu
harm (because of revenge) kuziza
hang gutarika
(to hang) kumanika
hang up kumanika
(in order to avenge) guhōra
(to desire to ~ another without
reason) gukānkamwa
(to prevent one from harming
another) kuzina
hapless (person) indushi,
umugōrwa, umurushwa, umutīndi
(to be) guhumirwa
harmonization uguhūza
happen (to) gushika
harmonize (to ~) guhūza
(what happened?) habāye iki?
(to cause to) gucimbataza
(unexpectedly, suddenly) kwūbīra
happening (sudden) igiturūmbuka
happiness umunēzēro, ikinēzēro
(joy so great it hurts)
ikigūmbagūmba
half-mast (at ~) bwa kinanda
happy (to be) kunēzērwa,
halt guhagarara
guhīmbāra, guhīrwa, gushanyuka,
guhīmbārwa, gushwāshwānuka
(very) kudayadaya, kugāyagāya,
hammer inyūndo (Sw.)
hard (to be) kuguma, guhāmbāra,
gukara, gukomera, kudadarara,
gukomāntara
hand in (to) gutānga
(to be, earth) gutūta
(to be difficult) kugōra, gukomera
handbag umupfuko, umufuko
(to have a ~ life) kunamba
(ladies ~) agashakoshi
(to make ~ for one who has lost a
handicap ubumuga
loved one by reproaching the dead)
kwītāmba ku muvyimba
handicapped person ikimuga
(to make ~, hearted) gukomāntaza
handle (of hoe) umuhini, umumezo (to take out of ~ places)
kugobōtora
(of spoon, etc.) inkondo
(of cup) ikigōmbo
hard feelings umwīkomo,
(of bucket) umukono
ikinūbwe
(to put on, esp. hoe) gukwikira
(to hold) kwīdōga, kugira
(Sw.)
half igice, igicuri, igihīmba, inusu
kwigina
(to make) kunēzēra, kunēzereza,
kugāzagāza
163
harp inānga
harper umucurarānzi
harsh (person) umuhāmbāzi
(to be) guhāmbāra
harshness umwāga
harvest ishwābūra, ivyīmburwa,
ibirimwa, umwīmbu
(esp. millet) igenya, igesa
(to ~) kwīmbura, gushwābūra
(corn) kumyōra
(millet) kugenya, kugesa
(esp. perennial plants, fruit)
kwāmūra
(to be ready for) kwīyerēra
(to put away the) kwīmbura
harvest time umwēro, iyēra,
iyīmbura
(millet) igesa
harvester umwīmbuzi
(millet) umugenyi
hash (trees) guhīmbura
(with axe) gukera
(with hoe or other instrument)
kujema
(with sword) gukekana
(up in pieces) gucagagura
(off) gutandukāna
hassle ingorane, ikibazo
(no problem) ntakibazo
hassle intonganya, imitongano,
amahāne
(to ~) gutongana, gutonganya,
kurandagurana, guhārīra, guhāzāna
(to be always looking for)
kwītōraguza
(to start a) kwāndurutsa
(to stop ~ and make them like each
other) kwūnga
(among members of polygamous
family) akēnese
have –fise, kugira, gutūnga
(absolutely all one wants, and to
be a bit showy about it)
kunyananyaya
(abundance) kudibama, guhīmba
(always) guhorana
(bad habits, having had good)
gufūtāna
(diarrhea) gucībwamwo, guhitwa,
kudodomwa, kwīruka, gushuruza
(done recently) guherūka
(fellowship) gufatanya
(fellowship with) gucudika
(fever) kurwara inyonko
(for) –fitiye
(friendhsip with) gucudika
(holes from rust) kunyengetērwa
(much, may be even lots of debts or
trouble) kuroranirwa
(pain) kubabara
(sex) kuryamana, kwenda,
kurongorana, kurya umwana
(sloping sides, like soup dish)
gufukūra
(speech impediment) kugobwa
(things in common) kubūngirana
(to ~ to) kurīnda, –kwīye
hawk (to) kugurīsha
haste ingoga
hawk igisīga
hasten (to go) kubāndānya
haze urwīrūngu
hastily (to look at) kurangaguza
he wē, wēwe
hat ingōfēro (Sw.)
(in contrast to another) weho
(he says) ngo, ati
hatch kuberagura
(vt) kubundikīra
hate kwānka, kugaya, gukēngēra,
gutītūra, guhama
(cause people to hate that which
they had liked) gutītūra
(everything) kunebagura
(one's master) kugāmbāna
hateful (any horrid hateful thing)
urunūka
hatred ubwānkanyi, urwānko,
agahamo, uruhamo
(where there has been love)
umucāno
head umutwe
(cold in) agahiri, akamango
(of grain) umuhānyu
(pad, when carrying load) ingata,
urugata
(to head up, grain) kubogeka,
guhaga, kuyāngika
(to head up, cabbage) gufumbata
(to bow one's) kwūnama
(to carry on) kwīremēka,
kwīkorera
(to lift up) kuraramuka
(to lose one's) gucika ivutu,
kuzimagirika
(to raise one's) kwūnamūka,
kwūnamūra, kurāngamīza
(to remove load from) gutūra
164
(to shake one's ~ in anger or
disgust) kuzūnguza umutwe
(to tip back) kurarama
(to tip to one side) guhengama
(to turn one's) gukebuka
head-dress (woven of long hair
and worn by dancers) umugāra
headache (to have a ~)
kumeneka umutwe
(morning after) ibirare
headgear ingōfēro (Sw.)
headman umutōza
headstrong (person) ikigāba,
intābwīrwa
heal (to ~, vi) gukira
(to ~, vt) gukiza, kurokora, kuvūra
health amagara, ubuzima
healthy (child, about 4 months)
ikibunduguru
(plant, person) itōto
(to be) kunōnōka, gukira
(to be very, strong) gutetera
heap ikirūndo
(small heap of products on market)
umufungo
(to make a) kurūnda
heap up (to ~ together)
gukumakuma
(to ~ up) kurūnda, kurūndarūnda
hear kwūmva
(to be unable to ~ well) kwūmva
bihurugūshwi
(well) gutobora
(well, suddenly) kuzibuka
heard (to be ~ plainly)
kwūmvīkana
(to speak so that one is heard but
not understood, because of
distance) guhwirima, guhihima
heart umutima, umushaha
(pure, kind) umutima ukeye
(to jump with fear) guhahama
(to pound) kugurugūmba,
gusimbagurika, kudidagizwa
(to set one's ~ on) guhahamira
(to beat) gutera indihaguzi
heart failure (congestive)
uguhagarara umutima
heart flutter (to have) kudidagira
heart problems
indwāra y'umutima
heartbeat indihaguzi
heat (to heat up) gushūsha,
gususurutsa
heat ubushūhe, indugūmba,
umururūmbo, ikibēngebēnge
(with high humidity) agashūhe
(male animal in) ishāshi
(to be in, animals) kwimanya
heathen umupagani, umushēnzi
hidden (thing that comes to light
suddenly) icūbirizi
helper umutabāzi, umufasha
hide (skin) urusato
(of the sick) umurwāza
(group of attendants or helpers to
elders) ubukūngu
hem umubarīro, umusōzo,
heathenism ubupagani
umukūnjo, umuzīngo
heaven ijuru
hemorrhage kuva amaraso
heavy (to be) kuremēra, kuriba
(from nose) umwūna
(of woman) ubutīnyānka
(to make) kuremereza
heavy-laden (to be) kuremērwa
hemp urumogi, ubwoko
bw'igiterwa kivamwo urunyuzi
hedge uruzitiro
hen inkoko
(about) kuzitira
(hen) inkokokazi
(rooster) isāke
(wing of) icūbi
heel igitsīntsīri
height igihagararo, ijūnja,
uburēbure
(to be of equal ~ or length) kurēha
(to make equal ~) kurēsha
hi (morning) bwakeye
(overcome an enemy) gukōndōrera
(secretly someone to escape by
taking his things for him)
kunyuruza
(sick person walk) kwāndāza
(to call for ~) kwāmbaza, gutabāza
(~ to carry) gutwāza
(to cry out for) kuborōga
(to go to ~ another in his work)
gusāsira
(without expectation of reward)
gutabāra
her we, –iwe
(afternoon) mwīriwe
(informal) yambu, bite, amaho,
gute, gute none, vyifashe gute
hiccough isevu, isefu, urusepfu
(to ~) gusefura, gusepfura
hiccup isevu, isefu, urusepfu
(to ~) gusefura, gusepfura
hide (vi) gufuba, kwinyegeza,
kwīhisha, kunyegera
(vt) guhisha, kunyegeza,
kuzimanganya
(and wait for hunter, of animal)
kuguba
(behind) kwīkīnga
(in a corner) kwīyagiriza
(oneself) kubūndabūnda
(one's thoughts) gufobeka
(the truth) kwiyobagiza
(to have nothing to ~) gutobora
hiding (in ~) impisho
(hiding place) ubwīhisho
(to bring from) kunyegurura,
gufurūra, guhishūra
high –rēre
herb tea imisabiko
higher (to put) gukiriza
herbe (spice) akamoteshandya
(up) haruguru
herd isho, ubusho
hill umusozi, umudūgo, umutumba
(of animals) umukuku
(of sheep) urwūri
(brow of) igikombe
(of earth, to plant in) iburi
(slope of) inkūka, akamanuko,
umurwa
(top of) impīnga
(little hills) ubutumba
(very big ~) igisozi
(white ant hill) umugina
heir samuragwa, umuragwa
heirloom intahava
hello (morning) bwakeye
(afternoon) mwīriwe
(informal) yambu, bite, amaho,
gute, gute none, vyifashe gute
help gufasha
(another get up) kuvyūra
(exclamation: help please!) ntabāra
(in battle) gutabāra
(in trouble or grief) kwīrūra
(one another) gufatanya
(one another in loaning what is
needed) gutērēra
(one in trouble) kwēmanga
(oneself even if you do not know
how to do the thing) kwīgereza
(oneself, relieve one's own need)
kwīkenūra
herdsman umwūngere
here aha, hano, ino, ngaha
(exclamation to superior: here!)
sabwe
heritage iragi
hillocks ubukiru
hesitate guhigima, guhīngītana,
kwīyubāra, guhigimānga,
gukēkeranya, kujuragirika
(between two actions) gutēgekanya
hex amarozi
hex umurozi
165
him we
hinder kubuza, gutangīra, guteba,
gutēsha
(from harming another) kuzina
(from hearing) kubugiriza
(to try to ~ from doing wrong)
guhōyahōya
hinge ipata
hole (deep ~ in ground in grassy
(to put bees in new) kwātira
place) igihuma
(for planting beans) ibāngo
(in paper, cloth, container)
intoboro, icehere
(in ground) ikuzimu, i kuzimu,
ikinogo, icōbo, urwōbo, igishimu
(small ones like rats make)
umwōbo, umwēnge
(to get a ~ in) gutoboka
(to ahve ~ from insects)
kunyengetērwa
(to make ~) kunyengetēra
(to make ~ in stone)
gukorogoshora
(to make a small ~ for setting out
tree or plant) gukoba
(to tear a big ~, vi) kumānyuka
(to tie up ~ in sack) gutubika
(to pierce a ~) gutobora
(thing with ~ in it) umwēnge
hoarse (to be) kujwigira
holiday ikiruhūko, inkonje
hip ifyigo
hippo imvubu
hippopotamus imvubu
hire (workers) kurārika
his –iwe
hiss uruhwa, agahwa
(to ~) kuvuza uruhwa
history akahise
hit (to) gukubita
(repeatedly but gently with fist,
mother with child) gutumagura
(a sore place) gutoneka
hive (bee) igitiba
(to become) gusarara
hollow (to be) gufukūra
hoe isuka, indimīsho
(without handle) amakera
(worn out) ifuni
(to ~) kurima
(hard and fast) kurimagura
(to tighten loose hoe) guhata
hoe handle umumezo, umuhini
hog ingurube
(guinea pig) imbeba y'ikizungu
hold gufata
hollow (to ~ out) gukorogoshora
holy -eranda, -yēra
Holy Spirit Mpwemu Mweranda,
(to have ~ intercourse) kwitomba,
guswerana, kuryana akameka
(to act as ~, commit ~ acts)
gutingana
(to have ~ intercourse, rude)
guswerana nk'imbwa
(effeminate traditional priest)
ikihindu, ikimaze
honest (to be) kuvugīsha ukuri
(~ person) imvugakuri
honesty inyankamugayo
honey ubūki
honor (to ~) kwūbaha, guhaya,
gusonera
(before others) gushīmagiza
honor icūbahiro
honored person umuninahazwa,
umutūngwa, umwūbahwa,
nyakubahwa
(in adressing him), umupfāsoni
hoodwink (to) kuzīmba
hoof ikinōmo, urwāra
hook (fish ~) igera
Mpwemu Yēra
hooker maraya (Sw.)
homage (to pay to) guhōngera,
guhāngama, gushengera,
gushengerera
hoop uruzego, urubangangwe,
urujagwe
hop sa nkoko
home (at ~) i muhira, imuhira
(at the ~ of) kwa
(at our ~) i wācu, iwācu
(at my ~) i wanyu, iwanyu
(at their ~) i wabo, iwabo
(to go ~) gutāha, kuganūka
(to go ~ from work) kugodoka
(to not stay at) guhugūmba
(to return to parent's ~ when angry
at husband) kugēnda buje
(to take ~ objects, cows, after
being away long time) kugishūra
(fast to) kugumiriza
(from falling) gusama
(hard feelings) kwīdōga
(in place) kugumya
(lightly) kwānjānjwa
(out) kubangira
(out arms to receive) guhāngāza
ukuboko
(of rope, vi) kudādira
(strongly) gushimika
(take hold of persons) gushorerakw
amaboko
homeless (to be) kuzerēra
(to) kwūmira
(wanderer) inzererezi
(up) gushigirika
homesickness urukumbuzi
hold dear (to ~) guha agacīro
homosexual (person)
holding (hands to form circle or
umutinganyi, umukonotsi,
line) gufatana urunana
umuswezi, umubidadi, umugeyi
(to be gay) kunōnōka
166
(to ~ about) gusimbagurika
hope (to ~) kwīzigira, kwīzera
(for) kwītega
hope icīzigiro, ivyīzigiro,
umwīzero
hopeful (to be) kugira umwizero
horn (musical) inzamba
(of animal) ihēmbe
(small, used for tobacco) inconco,
iconco
(used by witch doctor) urukorōnko,
inkorōnko
(maze of horns) inka zishashe
amahēmbe
horrible bitēye ubwōba
horrid (any horrid hateful thing)
urunūka
horror ivutu, ubwōba, agatēngo
hors d'oeuvre imfungurwa
nyitangizo
horse ifarāshi, ifarāsi
hospital ibitāro, ivūriro
however mugabo, yamara, ariko,
nubwo
hurl gushibura
howl (to howl like hyena or owl)
guhūma
hug (to) guhobera, kugūmbīra,
gukīkira
hostage ingwāti
huge (any huge thing) ikigambati
hot (to be) gushūha, gucānīrwa
hull (rice) gutonora
(esp. fever) kururūmba
(moderately) gususuruka
(to make hot) gususurutsa
hum kuyīnga
human buntu
hotel hotēri, ihoteri
(human being) umuntu
hour isaha (for various hours of
day, see under 'day')
humble gucisha bugufi
house inzu
(in ruins) umusaka
(little ~, built for spirit of one who
has died) nyabugoro
(of king) ingoro
(temporary) urusāgo, igikāri
(with high pointed roof)
umushonge, agashūngēre
(place opposite door of ~)
umukōndo
(to cause to fall down) gusambūra,
gusēnyura, guhenūra
(to chase others out of ~)
guturumbura
(to fall down) gusāmbuka,
gusēnyuka, guhenuka
(to put roof on) gusakāra
(to repair a) gusanura
household urugo
(to be) kwicisha bugufi,
kwīyorosha
(to be ~ ostensibly, but not in
reality) kwīyorobeka
how are you urakomeye?
amakuru?
(informal greeting) bite? amaki?
n'amaki? amaho? umeze gute?
gute none? gute? vyifashe gute?
how many –ngāhe?
(~ times) kangāhe?
howdy (morning) bwakeye
(afternoon) mwīriwe
(informal) yambu, bite, amaho,
gute, gute none, vyifashe gute
hurry kwīhūta, kwīruka, gukovya,
gukōkōbereza, gukwākwānya,
kunyānyasa, kunyaragasa,
kunyaruka, gushibuka
(of child only) kudirigiza
(to go) kubāndānya
(to go and return) gutebūka
(along, as cows to better pasture,
or child stumbling after something
he wants) kurārāta
(to be in a ~) gufuruguta
(to do in a ~) kubanguka
(to not be in a ~) kwītōnda
hurt (vi) kubabara, gutonekara
humerus ikizigira
(vt) kubabaza
(another's feelings) gusesereza
(to be ~ by what one says, or in
injury) gusesērwa
humidity (heat with ~) agashuhe
husband umugabo, umugēnzi
humilated (to be) gutētērwa
humiliate kumāramāza, gutetereza
(to ~ oneself) kwāga hasi
humiliation akamāramāza
humor (to be in good)
gushwāshwānuka
hunch-shouldered (to be) guheta
amabega
hunchback inyōnzo (also refers to
the hump itself)
(to be) kurwāra inyōnzo
how (adv., not in questions)
ukuntu, ingene, ubugene
(conj.) uko
(in questions only) -te, gute?
hunting (to return from) guhīgūka
umucance (lit. one who broke the
hymen)
(to lose one's ~ by death)
gupfākara
husbandry (animal husbandry)
ubworozi
husk (to ~) gutonora
hut (bunch of grass at top) isūnzu
(wood of) umugānda
hutch (of rabbit) akazu k'inkwavu
hyena imfyisi
hygiene isuku
hundred ijana
hymen ince
hunger inzara
(extreme) isari
(for certain food, appetite) ināmbu
(to faint from) kugwīra isari
hungry (to be) gusōnza
(to be ~ for) kwōndera
(after hunting for food in various
places) kuburanirwa
hymn indirīmbo
hyphen umukwēgo, agakwego
hypocrisy ubwīyorobetsi,
uburyārya, indyārya
hypocrite (to be) kwīyorobeka
hunt (~ for) guhirīmba, kurondera
I
(for game) guhīga
hunt uruhīgi
I jēwe, je
hunter umuhīgi
167
(concerning me, I in contrast) jeho
(and I) nānje
I don't know ntavyonzi, sinzi
imagine (to) kwīhwēza
I love you ndagukūnda
imbecile ikizēze
I'm here (exclamation to a
imbibe kubōmba
superior) sabwe!
imitate (to ~) kwīgāna
ice igarase
(one to be imitated) iremezo
idea icīyumvīro
immaculate (something spotlessly
identify (to) kumenya
identity (card) akarangamuntu
idiot ikizēze, ikijūju
idle (to be) kugaramanga,
kwīgaramangira
idleness akararamango
idol ikigirwamāna, igisengwa,
white) umwēru
immediately ubu nyene
immerse gucokeza
immersed (to be) gucokera
immunity (med)
ukwirwanira kw'umubiri
impact ingaruka, igisubizo
igishushānyo
impatient (to be) kurambirwa
if asangwa, iyo, namba, ni, iyaba
impede (to) gutega
ignition ugucana, ukudomeka,
impediment (to have speech)
ugufatisha
kugobwa
(to be freed from) kugobōdoka
ignorance ubupfu, ubutūngu,
ubuzimire
imperfect (thing) akarohe
ignorant (person) umutūngu,
impertinent (person) umweruzi
inyoberwa
(to be) kudebagura
impoliteness imirarwe
ignorantly (to act) kwīfūtānya
import (to) kurangura mu mahanga
(to begin to feel better after being
ill) gutenzukirwa
(soil) gutabira
(taste of food) kuryosha
(a technique) guteza imbere
(ubuhinga)
improvement (of soil)
ukubungabunga
(isi)
(of environment) uguteza imbere
ahantu, ukubungabunga ibidukikije
impute to kwōmekera
in mu, muri
in fact bwīte, koko
in lieu ahubwo
in place of hāko
in reality koko, cane, kuvyukuri,
n'ukuri, y'ukuri, c'ukuri etc.
in spite of nubwo
in truth koko, cane, kuvyukuri,
n'ukuri, y'ukuri, c'ukuri etc.
inanimate things ibinyavu
inattentive (to be) gusamāra
inaugurate (to) gutangīza
(to bring new kind of seeds or
cattle into country) kurondōra
incense (to burn nice smelling
ignore kwīrengagiza, gutimba
ill (to be) kurwāra, kuyōka
importance ubukuru
incision ururāsago, indāsago
important ngombwa, –kuru
(to make ~ to treat a sick person)
guca ururāsago
(often) kurwāragurika, kubūnga
(to become ~ one after another)
guhindikirana
(to lie around ~ long time)
kuvūnda
(see also under 'sick')
(person) umukuru
importunity (to ask over and over
stuff) kwōsa
incite (a revolt) kugomesha
include –rimwo (verb without
infinitive)
illegitimate (child) igihūmbu,
again) kubaririkiza
(to ask persistently, though
refused) gucuna
ikivyārwa
impossible (to be) kudashoboka
infinitive)
illness indwāra
(for) kwānkira
(to do the ~) gufyidikīra
(explamation: impossible!) kuka!
incoherently (to speak ~) kuvōvōta
impotent (to be) kumugara
(minimal) imfashanyo y'uwabuze
impress (to) gutangāza
incomplete (to be) guhara
improve (another's work)
incontestable (to be ~) kugaragara
(severe) ikīza
illuminate (to) kurabagiza
illustrate kugereraniriza
illustration akarorero
image igisengwa, ishusho,
igishushānyo
guhīngūra
(physically or otherwise)
kwōroherwa
168
including –rimwo (verb without
income imfashanyo, ivyīnjira
inconvenience gutēsha
increase (vi) kugisha, gukakama,
gutūbūka, kwūnguka
(vt) kwongera, kwūngura
infertile (to be) kugūmbaha,
guhona
(to make) gukona, gushāhura
initiate (to) gutangīza
incredible bitangāje (from
infertile (to be, person) kugūmbaha
injection urushinge
gutangāza)
injure (vi) kubabara, gutonekara
(to have ~ disease) kugīrīra
(plants) kurūmba
(place) uruharabuga
(thing, corn, etc.) ikirūmbirane
(to become from lack of fertilizer)
guseba
indeed bwīte, koko
infidelity uguca kubiri n'amategeko
independence ubwigēnge
infinitive kīgēnzi
(to fight for) kumēnja
inflate (to blow air into, ball)
independent (to be) kwīgaba,
guhaga
kwīganza
influence (man of) umushīngantāhe
(incurable) akagīrīre
Indian (person) Umuhindi
influence (to ~) kwōsha
injustice akarenganyo
indicate kurānga, kugenekereza
ink irāngi
indicator akagenekerezo
influential (older man)
kamaramagambo
indict (to take someone to chief for
influenza ibicurane
trial or accusation) gushengeza
inform (to) kumenyēsha, kurānga,
indifference igikonyo, ubute
kurangīra, kubarira, kubūrira
inner tube ishamburiyeri
indigenous imvukira,
information inkenuzo
innocent (to be) kwēra
(gained by eavesdropping)
igisokoro
(to give) kurangīra
(to seek) kugenzūra
(to seek about someone)
kubariritsa
inquire (about someone)
kubariritsa
(to ask for particulars or
description) kudondōza
(to verify what one has heard by
asking many) gushīshōza
infra-orbital (region)
agasendabageni
insect igikōko, agakōko
incubate kubundikīra
incurable (wound) akagīrīre
umwenegihugu
indignation umujinya, ishavu,
inzika, inzigo, igono
(lasting) isata burēnge
(that never ends) akazika
(to have ~ against) gukanira
indisputable (to be ~) kugaragara
infringe (to) kuzirukanya
individual (an) inyakamwe
mu guteka
induce (to ~) gutuma, gutēra
inhabitant (of Burundi) Umurundi
industrious (person) umunyabwīra
inhabite kuba, kuguma, gutura
industry ubuhinguriro
inhale gukwega impwemu
inequality ubusumbasumbane
inherit kuragwa
inequity akarenganyo
inheritance umwāndu, uburage,
infection ukuziranirwa,
ukwandukira
(to give ~, inject) gutera urushinge
(to receive ~) gutērwa urushinge
(vt) kubabaza
(another's feelings) gusesereza
(to be ~ by what one says, or in
injury) gusesērwa
injured (to be) gukomereka,
gusesērwa
injury uruguma, igikomere
indistinctly (seeing one ~ because
he went too fast) rurabwe
infant uruyōya, uruhīnja
initiation (~ ceremony) ukwātira
ingredient imfungurwa zikenewe
umurage, iragi
(inherited property) ishāmvu
(inherited property or position)
akārōnda
(to leave ~) kuraga
infer (to) guheza
iniquity akarenganyo
169
inn indāro
inner room haruguru
(many small) ubukōko
(ant, flying, edible) iswa
(ant, pincher) intozi, urutozi
(ant, soldier) uburima
(ant, sugar) ikinywabūki
(ant, tiny) ubunyegeri
(ant, white) umuswa
(ant hill, white) umugina
(bedbug) igiheri, igihere
(bee) uruyūki
(bee, carpenter) imvūndēri
(bug) agasīmba
(bumblebee) impingwe
(butterfly) ikinyungunyungu,
ikinyugunyugu
(centipede, small) inyōngōri
(chigoe flea) imvūnja, ivūnja
(cicada) ijeri
(cockroach) inyēnzi
(fly, big, tsetse) ikibugu
(fly, house) isāzi
(flea) imbaragasa
(gnat) agatūku, ubutūku
(grasshopper) uruhige, agahōri,
igihōri
(jigger) imvūnja, ivūnja
(locust) uruyige
(louse) inda
(mosquito) umubu
(moth) ikinyungunyungu
(tick) inyōndwi, inyōndwe
(tick that causes recurrent fever)
igitangu
(tiny ~ in eye) akanyarira jisho
(wasp) ivūbi
(to sting or bite) gusurira
intelligence ubuhanga, ubwēnge,
ubuhīnga
(to have natural ~) kuvūmbura
(e.g. yavūmbuye ubwēnge)
intertwine (vi) gusobana
intelligent (to be) gukerebuka,
interview ikigānīro
kugira ubwēnge
interweave gusobanganya
intent umugambi
intestines amara
intentionally ibigirānkana
intimate (friend) umukūnzi,
intentions imigabo
somambike, pfampfe
intercede (to ~ for) kubūranira
into muri, mu
interchange kunyuranya
introduce (to ~ oneself) kurēnguka
intercourse (to have ~, to lie down
invalid umurwāyi
inside imbere
invent (to) guhānga
instruction indero
together) kuryamana
(to marry, to have ~, only used of
men) kurongora
(to be married, to have ~, only of
women) kurongorwa
(to have ~ without being married)
kurongorana
(to have ~, only used of men, rude)
guswera
(to have ~, only used of women,
rude) guswerwa
(to have ~, to fornicate) kwenda,
kurya umwana
(to have homosexual ~) kwitomba,
guswerana, kuryana akameka
(to have anal ~) kuryana inyuma
(to make love like dogs, to have
homosexual ~, derogative)
guswerana nk'imbwa
instrument igikoresho
interest amatsiko
(musical, zither or harp) inānga
(monochord instrument) umuduri,
indonongo
(musical, lamellophone) ikembe
(musical, with string) agahugūgu
(large bow-like instrument) idono,
indono
(sharp) inkazi
(to play) kuvuza, gucurarānga
(to ~) kuryōsha, kwitaho
(to lose) gutenzēkanya, gutēzūra,
gutezēkanya
(economy) inyungu, ipurusa
(~ the kraal) intangāro
(to be inside) kubamwo
insincere (to be) guhema
insincerity uburyārya, indyārya
insist kugōbēra
insolent (to be) kwūbahuka
(to be to) gukēngēra
inspect (to) kugendura, kugenzūra
inspection ugusūzuma
inspire (breath into) guhumēka
instead ahubwo
interior (of earth) ikuzimu, i
kuzimu
interlace (vi) gusobana
(vt) gusobanya
insult gusīndira, gutuka
intermingle gusobana
insurgent (person) umugarariji
internet ingurukanabumenyi (from
(~ bonds) imvuto
(vt) gusobanya
intervene (to) kwikira
investigate (carefully a wrong)
gutenyēnya
(try to know something, seek
information) kugenzūra
invite gutōra, gutumira
invoice ifagitire
iron icuma
(~ bar) igihimba c'icuma
(for ironing clothes) ipāsi,
ikigorōzo c'impūzu, ifero
(to ~) gutēra ipāsi, kugorōra
impūzu
ironic (to be ~) guhema
(to speak ironically) kurtyekeza
ironing ukugorora
irony agahemo
irrigation (canal) umugazo
irritate kugōra, kuratsa
irritation (med.) ukubabara
is -ri, ni
(negative, ~ not) si
island izīnga
isolate gutānya
kwīrukana and ubumenyi)
Israel Isirayeli
integrity inyankamugayo
interpret (to) gusobanura
israelite umwisirayeli
intellect ubwēnge
interrogate (to) kubaza
issue (to ~) kumenyēsha
interrogative kabaza
170
issue ingorane, ikibazo
(no problem) ntakibazo
itch (to ~) guhurira, gusasātwa
itch amahere, uruhere, uburyi,
ukuribwa ku mubiri, ugusasatwa,
ukuribwaribwa
itching uburyi, ubusasāte
(to scrape feet on floor, esp.
because of itching) gusyēgenya
item ikintu
(article, product) icahinguwe,
akagenegene
ivory isēnge
jiggle (vt) kujuragiza
job akazi
(small job) ikiraka
(to do a sloppy ~) kurēngagiza
join gufatanya, kumatanya,
gutēranya
(together, esp. poles at top in
building house) kudōmbagiza
(together a broken thing) kwūnga
joiner umubāji, umunyamatanga,
umufundi amanika inzu
(to do carpentry) kubāza
(~ bee) ifundēri
(~ shoo) ibarizo, isaramara
joint urugīngo, itēraniro, ingingo
(to bend) gukonya, kugōnda
J
joke gufyina, kujajura,
jacket ikoti
guswāganya, kujāndajānda,
gufyinata
(with lots of words) kurimbūra
jail ibohero, umunyororo
joker akagūma
jam ikonfitire,
journey urugēndo
jackal imbwēbwe, imbwebwe
umutsima w'ivyamwa
(food for) impāmba
(to prepare things for) gutēkera
(in one's sleep) guhahamuka,
kurandamuka
(in surpise) guhahabuka
(in surprise or when awakened)
kuzanzamuka, gukanguka
(up and run quickly) kwūbuka
(when stung or bitten) gushikurwa
(with fear, heart) guhahama
jumpiness amaganya,
umwītwaririko, intūntu,
guhagarika umutima
June ukwēzi kwa gatandatu,
Rwirabura, Kiyumpu
jungle ishāmba, idonzi
junior umuhererezi
just person umwēranda
justice itēka
justification inyānduruko,
inkomānzi, impāmvu, igituma,
imvo
(to plead a ~) kubūrana
justify gutsīndanīshiriza
(oneself) kwīregūra
January ukwēzi kwa mbere, Nzero
jowl umusaya, itama
jar agacupa k'umunwa wagutse
jaw (lower) umubangabanga
jealous (to be) gusharika, kugira
ishari
(between wives) gukēba
jealousy ishari, ukwīpfūza
(between wives, or another with
whom you share work) ikēba
jelly ikonfitire,
umutsima w'ivyamwa
Jesus Yesu
K
joy umunēzēro, ikinēzēro, akanēza
(great) akanyamunēza
(so great it hurts) ikigūmbagūmba
(cry of) impūndu
judge (to ~) guca itēka,
guca urubānza
(~ weather by sky) kugenzūra
judge umucamānza, umucamatēka
(with final decision)
kamaramagāmbo
judgement urubānza, ingīngo,
kayak ubwāto
keep kugumya
(a fire going) gucānira
(for the night) kurāza
(law) kwītōndera
(things for oneself) kwīgūnga
(too long) gutebana
(not ~ one's wordto do that which
one has declared he would not do)
kwīrahuruza
jewelry urutabonwa
intāhe, itēka
Kenyan (person) umukenya
(~ hall) iboma
kerosene ibitoro, igitoro ca
(to have ~) guhinyura
(to not accept ~ rendered) gutagara essence
(worn by king or great chiefs)
inyambarabāmi
July ukwēzi kwa ndwi (or,
Jew Umuyuda
kw'indwi), Mukakaro
jewels urutabonwa
(worn by king or great chiefs)
inyambarabāmi
jumble (things) gucurikiranya
jigger imvūnja, ivūnja
(about) gukinagira
(from above) gushunguruka
jump (to) gusīmba, gusimbagurika
171
kettle isafuriya
key urupfungūzo, urupfunguruzo
keyboard inanganyabwonko
kick (to ~) gutēra umugere
(violently, as child does)
gusyēgenya
kick umugere
kite (bird) ikinyakabaka
kid (young goat) umwāgazi
kitty injangwe, akayabo, akayabu
kidney ifyigo
knead (~ as in bread) gucūmba
kill (to) kwīca, kwongeranya
knee ivi
(because of revenge) kuziza
(oneself) kwīyīca, kwīgaragura,
kwīyahura
killed (to be unjustly) kuyogera
killing (to) kwīca, kwongeranya
(because of revenge) kuziza
(oneself) kwīyīca, kwīgaragura,
kwīyahura
kiln itanure
kilo ikiro
kilometer ikilometero
kind (species) ubwōko
(what kind?) –ki?
(what kind of) ki?
kind (to be) kugira umutima mwiza
kneel gupfukama
(to ask to) gupfukamika,
gupfukamisha
knife imbugita, icūma
(for cutting banana leaves)
urugombōzo
(long) inkōta
(long, broad) umupānga
(long-handled, curved) umuhoro
L
knock gukomānga
labor ubucumukure
(down each other) kugundana
(down in fight) gutūra hāsi
(down, strike against to ~ down,
dead tree) gusita
(from place to place) kujuragiza
(over) gutembagaza
(childbirth) ibise
(to ~) gutama, gucumukura
kindle (to) gucāna, kudomeka
knot ipfūndo, ifatanirizo, ifūndo
kindness ubukūndanyi
(slip knot) impururu
(to ~) gupfundika
(to ~) kubura, kugōmba, guhaza,
guteba, gukērērwa
(opportunity to say what you
intended) kujanirana, kujaniranwa
(respect) kwūbahuka
lacking (to be) guhara, gusība
lad agashusho, agacapo k'umuntu
kingdom ubwāmi
(at the king's court) ibwāmi, i
bwāmi
knowhow ubwēnge, inkenuzo,
ladder ingazi, icūririzo
ladle icaruzo gifukuye
lady umupfasoni
lake ikiyaga, itanganyika
(middle of) igezi, umutānga
lakeshore (of river) inkokoro
(of river, lake) inkōmbe, inkengera
lamb umwāgazi w'intama
ubumenyi, ukumenyēra
lame (to be) gucumbagira
knowledge ubwēnge, inkenuzo,
lameness ubumuga
kiosk ibutike
ubumenyi, ukumenyēra
kiss gusōma
known (to be) guhinyuka
(repeatedly, passionately)
gusōmagura
(each other) gusōmana
(to be well ~) kumenyēkana,
kurangiranwa
(to become) kwāmāmara,
guhishūka
(to be made) kwāndagara,
kitchen igikōni
lack (of foresight) igihababu
know kumenya, -zi, kuzirikana
(another's thoughts completely)
kuvōgera
(facts of a case) guhinyura
(for certain) kujījūka
(to not ~) kuyobera, kuyoberwa
(to not ~ what to do) mwījījānya,
kurīgānirwa
(to try to ~ something) kugenzūra
(one who knows more than is
expected of him) akagūgu
kinship umuryāngo
(entrance to king's) ikirīmba
(head of) sēnaka
(owner of) umutūngwa, nyene
(with many houses of members of
one family) ikigwati
(within the kraal) intangāro
knit kujīsha
knolls ubutumba
(entrance to king's kraal) ikirīmba
(house of) ingoro
(pronouncements or commands
sent out to chiefs) amatēka
(to become) kwīma
(to die) gutānga
(to make) kwīmika
(to sit) kuvyāgira
(to speak evil of ~) kurogota
kraal urugo
knife edge ubūgi
(to be very ~ to) kubukabuka
(~ person) umushiranzigo,
umwēranda
king umwāmi
kwāndagaza
(to make) kwērura, gukwīza,
kumenyēsha
(to make) gukwīragiza, kurānga,
guserura, kwāngaza, kwātura,
guhishūra, kwāmāmaza
(well ~ person or thing)
ururangiranwe, ikirangiranwe
172
lament (to) kuborōga, kuganyira
lamp itara
(to light) kudomeka
lampshade agakingamuco
lampstand igitereko
land (piece of) ishāmvu, ikivi
(uncultivated) ubunyovu
(one who makes others laugh)
akagūgu
land (to ~, as airplane) kugwa
laughter ibitwēngo
landslide (to slide) kunyika,
launder (to) kumesura
gusiduka
language ururimi
launderer umumesūzi, umumeshi
laundering kweresha impuzu
(evil, esp. of young girl) ubweruzi
(to speak in a mysterious ~)
gufobeka
itēka
lantern itara
lawyer umuvunyi
(to light) kudomeka
lap (to ~, as dog) gusabagira
lap ikibero
large -nini
(grow larger, esp. moon) gutūbūka
largeness ubunini
lariat impururu
lash ikimōko
lasso impururu
last (adv.) -nyuma
last (to ~) kumara
(to ~ long) kurāmba
last imperūka
(one of anything) imperēra
(one of family who has no
children) imponnyi
(at ~) ubuherūka, aho rēro
(to be ~, previous) guherūka
lasting (to be) kurama
late (to be) gucerērwa, guteba,
gukerērwa, gutinda
(slightly) gutebagana
(of rains) gutara
(to become, in day) kwīra
(to cause to be) gutevya, gusīvya
lately vubaha
later hanyuma
laugh gutwēnga, gusekaseka
(at) kwīshinyira, gushinyira,
gutwēnga
(at secretly) gutwēngera mwijigo
(for nothing) gushinyagura
(to make others ~) guswāganya,
gutwēnza, gutwēngēsha
law ibwīrizwa, ingīngo, itegeko,
laxity ukwīgīra sindabibazwa
lay (a thing on its side) guhēngeka
(down, vt) kuryāmika
(down a burden) gutūra
(eggs) guta amagi
(hands on, dedicate) kurambikakw
ibigānza
(on the ground) kurambika
(someone on his side) gukīkira
(bean) umukubi
(pumpkin) umusoma
(used for perfume) imbazi
leak (to ~) kuva
leaking ukuva
lean (against, vt) kwegamika,
kwegeka
(against, vi) kwegamira
(forward, preparing to run) gutuna
(on, esp. in getting up)
kwīshimikiza, gushimikira
(over) guhengama
leap (to) gusīmba, gusimbagurika
learn kwīga, kwīgīshwa, gusharira
(by heart) gufata ku mutwe
learner umwīga
learning ukwiga
leash umushumi
leave (to) guheba, kujījūka, kureka,
gusiga, kugēnda, kuvaho, gutāha
laziness ubunebwe, ubute
(at, for) kurekera, gusigira
(abruptly) kwōnjorora
lazy (person) umunebwe
(behind) gusiga
(very lazy person, rude,
(country) kwāmbuka, guhaba
derogative) ikinebwe
(country because of famine)
(to be) kudeha, kunebwa
gusuhūka
lead (to) kwōsha, kurōngōra
(grass and stuff growing in kraal)
(a discussion) kuremesha ikiganiro gutongoza
(esp. cows) gucūra, kuyobora,
(group and go by oneself)
gushorera
kujōnjōra
(animals to drink) gushōra
(inheritance) kuraga
(astray) guhuvya, kuzimiza
(intention or place) gucungūra
(cows to pasture) guturutsa
(open) kurāngāza
(to attack) kugomora
(out) guhaza
(out, to show the way to one who is (over) gusigaza
lost) kuzimurura
(place) gushingūka
(something with someone) kubītsa
lead to (to ~) gutuma, gutēra
(with) gusigarana
leader indōngōzi, umugabīsha,
leaven umwāmbiro
iremezo, umurōngōzi, umutegetsi
(to ~) kwāmbira
(to choose) kwātira
leaves (young bean ~, when only
leadership ubuyobozi
the first two are there) ingāmba
(stripped from tree) udukōkōrwa
leading inyōshwa
(used for perfume) imbazi
leaf ibabi, ikibabi
(see also 'leaf')
(banana, dry) ihuba, igihūnda
(to have abundant) gusagaba
(banana, green) umutōto
(to put forth new) kurēmba
(central part of banana ~)
(to strip from tree or stick)
ikigongogongo
gukōkōra
lazily (to work) kuregarega
173
lecture icigwa
lengthwise (to cut) gusatura
leech umureberebe
leopard ingwe
leek igitunguru c'amababi
leper umunyamibēmbe, umubēmbe
left ukubāmfu, ububāmfu,
leprosy imibēmbe
ibubāmfu, i bumoso
(~ arm) ukuboko kw'ibubamfu,
ukubamfu
lest -ōye (verb with no infinitive)
let kureka, gukūndira
(let's go) hogi, hoji, tugende
(flow from) kuva
amasigarira
(to get ~ as you stare at something) (let go of what you've started to
take or do) gutēzūra, gutēnzūra
kurēngāra
(up work) guharuruka
(to be ~) gusigara
left behind (things, not food, ~)
left hand ukubāmfu, ububāmfu,
let us go hoji, hogi, tugende
ubumoso, ibubāmfu, i bumoso
let's go hoji, hogi, tugende
left over (things, not food, ~)
letter (of alphabet) insomwa,
amasigarira
inyuguti
(to get ~ as you stare at something) (correspondence) icēte, ikēte,
kurēngāra
ibaruwa, barua (Sw.)
(to be ~) gusigara
level inivo
left side ubumoso, i bumoso
(to be) gutega
(to make) gusēna, gutaba
left-overs imisigazwa
kwānguha, kudendekeranya,
guhūmba
lie (to ~ about waiting on someone)
kugangarara
(to ~ around ill long time) kuvūnda
(to ~ down) kuryāma
(to ~ down on the back) kugarama
(to ~ fallow) gusiba
(to ~ in wait for) kuryāmira,
kugēnza
(to ~ on one's face) kwūbika inda
(to ~ on one's side) gucurama
lie down (to ~ about waiting on
someone) kugangarara
(to ~ around ill long time) kuvūnda
(to ~ down) kuryāma
(to ~ down on the back) kugarama
(to ~ fallow) gusiba
(to ~ in wait for) kuryāmira,
kugēnza
(to ~ on one's face) kwūbika inda
(to ~ on one's side) gucurama
lieutenant icegera
life ubugīngo, ubuzima, ukubaho
(to be) gucāguka, gusigara
liar umubēshi, umusukanyi
leg ukuguru
(bowlegs) amaguru, y'imbango
(one who goes about lying)
indimanya
(years of one's) amavūka
(to give ~ to) kubēshaho
(to regain) guhembūka
legacy uburage, umurage
liberator umucūnguzi
lift (to give a ~) kwūnguruza
legend (sung legend, poetic) igitito
liberator umurokozi, umukiza
lift up gukiriza, guterura
legion igitēro
liberty umwīdegēmvyo
legislator umushingamateka
lemon indimu
lemon-tree igiti c'indimu
lend (that for which equivalent will
be returned) kugurāna
(that which will itself be returned)
gutīza
(something and not get it back
soon) gutongoza
(money) kugurana, gukopesha
amahera
length umurambararo, uburēbure
(to be of equal ~ or height) kurēha
(to arrange according to ~ or
height) gusūmbanya
(to make of equal ~) kurēsha
(to not be of equal ~ or height)
gusūmbana
(to have) kwīdegēmvya
library isomero, bibiriyoteke
licence iperemi
(driver's licence) iperemi yo
gutwara umuduga
lick kurigata
(lick food from spoon or dish)
gufyefyeta
lid igipfūndikizo, umupfūndikizo,
umufundikizo, umufunyiko,
igifunyiko
(esp. of basket) umutemere
(to take lid off basket) kurumūra
lie (deception) ikinyoma
(to ~) kubēsha, kurema,
kurementanya
(a little) kubēshabesha
(about) kurementaniriza,
174
(from ground) kurārūra
(one who is lying down) kuvyūtsa
(the head) kuraramuka
light (daylight) umuco
(torch, or artifical light) urumuri,
amatara
light (to ~ fire, lamp) gucāna,
kudomeka, gukongereza, kwātsa
(the path, esp. with torch)
kumurika
(to become ~ suddenly, early in
morning just as darkness ends, or
after eclipse) gutamānzuka,
gutamānzura
(to come to light) guhinyuka,
kwāndagara
(to put out) kuzimya
light bulb ampuru, irampuru
light-colored (~ African) inzobe
light-fingered (to be) gukorakora
light-weight (to be) guhwahuka,
line umurōngo
livestock ibitungwa, igitigiri
kwōroha
(of people, animals, etc.)
umuhururu, umukuku
(typographical) umukwēgo,
agakwego
(to ~ up, vi) gutōnda
(to ~ up, vt) gutōndēsha,
gutōndekanya
(to march in a ~) gutōndekana
(to ~ up workers) kurārika
c'ibitungwa
(livestock farming) ubworozi
lighten (a load) kuremurura
lighting ugucana, ukudomeka,
ugufatisha, ukubonesha
lightly buhoro
(very ~) buhoro-buhoro
lightning umuravyo
(to flash) kurabagirana, kurabiriza,
kuravya
(to be struck by) guhūndagara
like (to ~) gukūnda
lines (or rows on baskets or cloth,
e.g. corduroy) umuhiro
linger kuzāngazānga
(to ~ for a short time) guharara
(to try to make someone ~ what he
has refused) kwōrekēra
lining iharire ifatanye n'impuzu
like bēne, nka
lip umunwa
(conj.) nk'uko
(like that) -rtyo
(like this) -rtya
(to be like) gusa
(to look like) gushusha
(to like) gukūnda
(for a short time) guharara
(to try to make someone ~ what he
has refused) kwōrekēra
(architecture) imbaho z'imihage
lion intāmbwe, intare
(turning down of lower ~)
injebejebe
living (together) umubāno
living room mu muryango, icumba
c'uruganiriro
lizard umuserebanyi
load (to) gupakira
load umutwāro, umuzigo
(to cause another to put down)
gutūza
(to give someone a heavy ~)
kuremēka
(to lighten) kuremurura
(to remove ~ from head) gutūra,
gutūnda
loaded (with fruit or grain, tree or
stalk) gutēngerera
lisping ubureve
loaf (of bread) irobe
list urutonde
loan (to receive and then not pay
(of chosen ones) itorero
(to ~) gutōndeka, gutōndēsha
back) guherana
(to refuse to pay) guheranira
listen (to) kwūmviriza
loan (to) gutīza
(to refuse to ~ to authority)
kugarariza
liter ilitero
loathe (to) gucōkōra, kugaya,
gukēngēra, gusuzugura, gutītūra,
kuzira, kwānka
little -to, –to-to, –toya, –tonya
located (to be) guherēra
lock (of hair) ubusage
likeness ishusho
(a little) –ke, –keya, –kenya
(~ by ~) buhoro, buhoro-buhoro
(to add to ~ by ~) gutororokanya
(to go forward ~ by ~)
kwūngururuza
likewise kimwe
live kuba
lily (blood, wild flower)
(to) kugabanya
(live at, to dwell) gutura
(breathe, to still live) guhēma
(to be alive) kubaho
(to cause to) kubēshaho
(long time) kurāmba
(near a public place)
guhorahabona
(together) kwāmana, kubāna,
kumana
(long live the king!) ganza, sabwa!
limitless akaburarugero
liver igitigu
like that -rtyo
like this -rtya
like-minded (to be) kuba ikirende
(person of very nice disposition)
ikirende
likely (to be) gushoboka
umwangange
lima (bean) igiharo
lime ishwagara
limestone ingwa yo guhoma
limit urubibe
lock (to ~, to close) gukīnga
(to ~ person up) kudādira
locust uruyige
lodge (vi) kurāra, gusēmbēra
(vt) kurāza
(give lodging for several days)
gusēmbereza
lodging indāro
log (of wood) ikigiga, urugiga
loin cloth umukenyero
(small ~) agahūzu
loincloth umukenyero
(small ~) agahūzu
limp gucumbagira, guhinyiza,
loneliness irungu, inkūmbu
(to be) kugoyagoya
175
lonely -sa
(to be) kwīherēra
(to do) kwīgūnga
(to spend the night ~) kwīrāza
(I am lonely) mfise irungu
lonesome (to be ~ for) gukūmbura
lonesomeness inkūmbu, irungu
long (adj.) –rēre
(~ thing, as banana stalk)
umusoko
(to live, last ~) kurāmba
everything) kurunguruka
(in the face, to be unwilling to)
kwīyobagiza
(like) gushusha
(over, in prospect of buying)
kugaragura
(straight up) kurarama
(through) gusesa
(towards) kwerekera, gutūmbēra
(up) gukanura, kurangamiza,
kurangamira, kuraramura
look down (to) gucōkōra, kugaya,
gukēngēra, gusuzugura, gutītūra,
kuzira, kwānka
loss ubuhōmbe, uruhōmbo,
igihōmbo
(to bring) gutāna
lost (being) ubuzimire
(to be) guhuba, kujurajura,
gutakara, kuzimira
(to become really lost and wander
about) kuzimagirika
lot (in casting lots) ihēmbe,
ubupfīndo
(to cast) gupfīnda
(to draw) gupfīndana
(to have a ~, even debts or
troubles) kuroranirwa
long (to ~ for) gusamāza,
gukūmbura
(thing for which one longs)
igishika
looked (down upon, to be)
kugayika
loud (to be very) kurēngēra
looking (toward, to be) gutūmbēra
louse inda
long ago kēra
loop (of rope, lasso) impururu
lovable person umunyagikūndiro
long-lived (to bethings, not people)
(of snake, river) ikigonzi
love (to ~) gukūnda, kugomwa
kurama
(people) kurāmba
loosen gupfundurura
look (evil) igitsūre
loot (sense of plunder) isahu,
iminyago, urunyago
looter umusahuzi
(to cause to ~) gukūndīsha
(deeply and obey) kunogēra
(~ each other) kunogerana,
gukūndana
(turn against one you've loved)
gucāna
Lord umwāmi, umukama
love urukūndo
(all about) kuraraguza
(around on all sides) kweraguza,
gukebaguza
(at) kurāba, kurereka, kurora,
kwirora
(at carefully) guhwēba, kwīhwēza
(at hastily) kurangaguza
(at in wonder) gusamāra
(at intently) kwīhwēza,
kwītegereza
(to let look for) gushakisha
(look at me!) kundāba
(at one thing after another, many
things) kurābarāba
(at oneself) kwīrāba
(at repeatedly) gukanaguza
(at without paying attention)
gusamāra
(at with disapproval) kurāba
igitsūre
(behind) gukebuka
(carefully to see if anyone is there)
gukengūza
(down, to make another)
kwūnamika, kwūnamīsha
(for) kurereka, kurondera
(esp. to feel around) gukabakaba
(for a fault in one another)
kugenzanya
(from side to side trying to see
(the Lord, Eternal One) ūhoraho
lorry ikamyo
(small ~) agakamyo
(strong, everlasting) akaramata
(end of loving another) agahararo
(one who loves) umukūnzi
(to fall in ~) kubēnguka
lose guhōmba, guta, gutakaza
(by death) gupfīsha
(by death, one's child) gupfusha
(interest) gutenzēkanya,
gutezēkanya, gutēzūra
(one another) gutāna
(one's head) gucika ivutu,
kuzimagirika
(one's husband or wife by death)
gupfākara
(one's zeal or enthusiasm)
kudehūra
(original force) gutītūra
(to cause to) gutēsha
(to ~ elections) gutindwa amatora
(to ~ reason) gusara
(to make another ~ his case)
kuzingirikira
(one who has lost everything in
trial) imvumure
(weight) kugōgōra
176
lovely -īza
lover umukūnzi
low –gufi, –gufiya, –gufinya
lower (to) kumanura
lower down (to) kumanura
luckless (person) indushi,
umugōrwa, umurushwa, umutīndi
(to be) guhumirwa
lucky (to be) gucuna, guhīrwa,
kuroranirwa
luggage umuzigo
lukewarm (anything) akazuyāzi,
inzuyāzi
(to be) kuzuyāza
lullaby igihozo, icugumbiro
lump (clay, blood clot) umugoma
(teenage ~) inkumi
(beautiful ~) nyiramwiza
(in food) agatiribwa, igihōmba,
ikinonko
(of bread) intore
(on back) inyōnzo
main (adj.) -kuru
lunch (~ time) sāsita, isaha sita
ry'amabarabara
lung ihaha
maintain kugumya, kugumiriza
main road ihwaniro
lush (and green, to be) gutotahara
(one's position, argue and swear
that you're right) gutara
lust (to ~) gushākana
maize ikigōri
lust ubushākanyi
lustful (thinking and practices)
ubuhehesi
lying ububēshi
(one who goes about lying)
indimanya
M
machete umupānga (Sw.)
Madam Madamu
made (to be ~ narrow) kwāzwa
(to be ~ poorly) guhōmba
magazine (shop, boutique) ibutike,
imangazine, iduka
(storehouse) ikigega
maggot inyo, uruyo
magic ubumago, amangetengete,
amareba
(to take out objects from body, as
witch doctors supposedly do)
guhura
magician umumago
magnet isumaku
magnet needle urushinge rukwega
ivyuma, ruriko isumaku
maid umukōbwa, umwīgeme
(~ reaching age of puberty)
umuzēzwa
(teenage ~) inkumi
(beautiful ~) nyiramwiza
maiden umukōbwa, umwīgeme
(~ reaching age of puberty)
umuzēzwa
(cob) igitiritiri
(early kind) isega
(kind with big kernel) ikijigo
(ground corn that has first been
roasted) igikweme
(silk) ubusage
(tender new) igishōro
(yellow kind) amashigisha
(to shell) guhungura, kuvūngurīsha
(wheat) ingano
make kugira, kurema
(afraid) gutēra ubwōba
(a bed) gusāsa
(blunt) gufyīta
(bread) gucūmba
(clean) guhumānura
(clear, cause to understand)
gutegereza
(crooked) kugoreka
(drunk) kuborēra
(effort) kwāndāra
(empty) kugaragaza
(equal in length or height) kurēsha
(excuses) kudendekanya,
kudendekeranya, kuzāngazānga
(face over something that tastes
bad) kunyinyirwa
(a fire) gucāna, gukongereza
(firm) kugumya
(fun of) kunegura
(fun of, esp. someone in trouble)
kwīshinyira
(fun of, by recalling the good he
has lost) gucurīra
(good) kuryōsha
(hedge) kuzitira
(hard for one who has lost a loved
one, by reproaching the dead)
kwītāmba ku muvyimba
(known) kwāndagaza, kwātura,
kumenyēsha, kwāngāza, kwerura,
kurānga, gukwīza, gukwīragiza,
kwāmāmaza, guhishūra, guserura
(laugh, one that makes others
177
laugh) akagūgu
(level) gusēna
(narrow) kwāza
(nest) kwārika
(noise, big) kwāsana, gusāma,
kubomborana, kubugiriza
(oneself) kwīgīra
(others like you) kwīkūndiriza
(peace) kubangūranya
(perfect) gutūngānya, kwūzuza,
kuroraniriza
(place) kubisa
(place for one another to pass)
kubisīkanya
(progress) gutēra imbere,
kuyoboza
(reparations) guhōnga, guhōngera
(restitution) kuriha
(sacrifice) gushikana
(sign) kugereraniriza
(smooth) gusēna
(straight) kugorōra, kurorānya
(tired) kurusha
(vow) gushīnga
(watering place) kugomera
(white) kwēza
make fun (to ~ of) kunegura,
guhema
(to ~ of by recalling good he has
lost) gucurīra
(to ~ of, esp. someone in trouble)
kwīshinyira
(to be made fun of) gutētērwa
malady indwāra
(severe) ikīza
malaria marariya, malariya,
inyōnko
male izinamuhūngu
(animal, esp. goat) impfīzi, imfīzi
malice (person with no) ikirende
malnutrition ingaburo idakwiye
mama (dearly loved) māma
w'umukōndo
(my, our) māma, māwe, ma
(your) nyōko (sometimes with
negative implication, rude
derogative)
(his, her, their) nyina
man (married) umugabo
(of influence) umushīngantāhe
(old) umutāma
(young, unmarried) umusore
(to ~ well, be responsible)
gufata neza
(to ~, succeed) gushobora
(to be accompanied to, as bride is)
gushingīrwa
(to be attendant for) gushingīra
(to be paid for, for ~) gukōbwa
(to go to a wedding feast) gutāha
ubukwe
(to take marriage vows) kuragana
management ugutunganya itunga,
marriageable age ubukumi
manage (to ~, control) gutwāra
ubuyobozi
mango umwēmbe
married (to be, of woman)
kwābīrwa, kurongorwa
manhood ubugabo
marrow (in bone) umusokōro
manifest (to be ~) kugaragara
marry (each other) kwābīrana,
kuragana
(each other, rude) kurongorana
(of bride) kwābīrwa, kurongorwa
(of groom) kwābīra, kwēnda
(rude), kurongora
(a widow and go to her kraal)
gucūra
(to refuse, esp. girl to refuse to
marry a certain man) kubēnga
(to take wife without marrying her
properly) gucīkiza
(to go to husband without being
married) gucīkira
manioc umwūmbati
manly (to be ~) kunōnōka
manner uburyo
manure amase
(goat) amahenehene
(heap) icukiro
(a lot) ibīse
(to gather for garden) kuvūmbura
many –inshi
(how many?) –ngāhe?
(so many) –ngāho
(to be ~) kurūndāna
(to be, esp. cows, trees) gusagāra
(to be so) kungana
map ikarata
March ukwēzi kwa gatatu,
Ntwarante
mark (made by hoe or axe) ibāngo
(your) shōbuja
(his, her, their) shēbuja
(of an art) umuhīnga
(to be) kugaba
masticate (to) guhekenya, kunoza,
gutapfuna
mat (grass mat to sit on)
umusēzero
(made of slipt papyrus) ikigāra,
ikinyāmbuga
(sleeping) ikirago
(small) umukeka
(very nice, used by king or chief)
indāva
(worn-out) umusāmbi
match (to ~) guhwāna, kujāna
match imyampi,
umwāmpi y'ikiribiti, utwampi
tw'ikibiriti
(box of) ikibiriti
matches imyampi,
umwāmpi y'ikiribiti, utwampi
tw'ikibiriti
(box of) ikibiriti
(to ~ over) kurangarira
materials (for building house)
ihūmbi
(to cut trees for building, to gather
building materials) guhūmbira
marvel igitangāza
matter (in the eyes) ibikaragāshi
marvelous bitangāje (from
mattress imatera, umufariso
gutangāza)
(grass ~) isaso
mash (to) gufyonyoka
May (month) ukwēzi kwa gatanu,
mashed (to be completely from
Rusama
(month of heavy rains) urushāna
marsh ikidigi, urufūnzo, umurago
marvel (to) gutangāra
(of a blow) umuramu
(to ~) kudoma
(to have marks, scratches, as pot)
gusaragurika
('get on the mark') gutuna
being stepped on) gufyonyoka
market isoko
mass (catholic ~) imisa
mayonnaise mayoneze
(small) akaguriro
(~ for one specific product) iguriro
massacre (to) kugeseza
maze (of horns) inka zishashe
massage (to ~) gusīga
amahēmbe
(to ~ a bump so it doesn't swell or
hurt) kunyīngisha
me jēwe,
marketplace isoko
(small) akaguriro
(~ for one specific product) iguriro
marmalade ikonfitire,
umutsima w'ivyamwa
marriage (wedding) ubukwe
(go-between for) umureshi
(to act as a go-between) kuresha
mason umwūbatsi, umufūndi
maybe kūmbure, nkeka, kur'ubu,
hashobora, ndibaza, yomba
massage ugukanda
(and me) nānje
(like me) nkānje
(rubdown) ugutsirita
meal imfungurwa
master Bwana (Sw.), umukama,
(to have a ~) gufungura, kurya
umushīngantāhe, nyene
(my, our) dātabuja
178
mean (to be ~ to) guhama
(to say ~ things in trying to
provoke another) kwīyandagaza
meaning insobanuro, insiguro
(to ask for ~) gusigūza
meanness ubujōra
(of one who rules others) itūntu
measles ibihara, agasāma
measure (to ~) gupīma, kugera,
kugerera
(to ~ a fixed time) kugerereza
measure ingero, urugero, urugezo
(tape ~) imetero y'impuzu
(by hand or by steps) itāmbwe
(of work) ikivi
(to ask for ~ to counteract poison)
kurogōza
(to put out ~ to keep away thieves
and spirits) gutota, kurēmbeka,
kugombeka
meditate (to) kuzirikana
meek (person) umugwanēza
(to be) gutēkereza
meekness ubugwanēza
menstruation ubutinyanka
menu ikarita ivyērekana
(set ~) imfungurwa zitegekanijwe
ku munsi
merchandise igishōrano,
ibicuruzwa, ibidandazwa
merchant umuhānjuzi,
umunyebahasha, umudāndazi
merciful person umunyembabazi
meet guhāmvya, guhwāna, guhūra
mercifulness ubukūnzi
(to go to) gusanganira, gutegēra
(together) gukorana, gutērana
mercy imbabazi, ikigōngwe
(to cause to ~ together) gukoranya, (fear to harm another because you
gutēranya
love him) impuhwe
merely -sa, gusa
measureless akaburarugero
meeting igikorane, igikoraniro,
itēraniro, ināma
(~ place) ihūriro
measurement ingero, urugero,
melancholy icīra
message ubutumwa
urugezo
(tape ~) imetero y'impuzu
(by hand or by steps) itāmbwe
(of work) ikivi
meat inyāma
(dried) umurānzi
(fat) ibinure
(to slip down on spear – if it slips
it's supposed to be diseased)
gushōka
mechanic umukanishi
medication umuti
(for diarrhea) umufutisho
(to make one to talk freely, to
release inhibitions) urudedēmvya
(to make people like one) urusango
(material smeared about kraal to
keep away thieves and evil spirits)
urugombeka, ururēmbeko
(to ask for ~ to counteract poison)
kurogōza
(to put out ~ to keep away thieves
and spirits) gutota, kurēmbeka,
kugombeka
melt gucika, gushōnga, kuyaga
(away) kuyōngayōnga
(to cause to) kuyagiriza
(sugar, salt) kuyōnga
merit kubērwa, gukwīra
(to send) gutuma
messenger intumwa, umutumwa
metal icūma
(of chief's council who listens to
trials) umunyekōmbe
(of family) abavandimwe
(foot piece on spear) umuhūnda
(ore) ubutare
(piece placed on stoves over fire to
set pot on) ikinjanja
(sheet of, for roof) ibāti
memorize (to) gusamagira
metal worker umucuzi
memory ubuzīndūtsi
micro (tiny) -nzīnya (used esp. with
th class)
member (of group) umunywanyi
(word that remains in heart
causing sorrow or anger)
isata burēnge
(to escape the ~) kuzīnda
menace icāgo
microbe umukorobe
microscope rugagamisha
middle amacāmbwa
(to have reached) kujabuka
(in the ~) hagati
(in the ~ of day) amashōka
(in the ~ of lake, river) idāmba,
umutānga
(of lake, see, jungle) igezi
(to go down the ~ of path or
country) kwātīra
medicine umuti
menstrual (to have finished ~
midget igikuri
(for diarrhea) umufutisho
(to make one to talk freely, to
release inhibitions) urudedēmvya
(to make people like one) urusango
(material smeared about kraal to
keep away thieves and evil spirits)
urugombeka, ururēmbeko
period) kujabuka
midmorning umusase
menstruate (to)
midnight igicugu
mend (to) kuremura, kubarīra
mending ukuremura, ugusana
meningitis umugiga
menopause (to reach) guca
kuja mu butinyanka,
kuba mu maraso
menstruating ubutinyanka
179
midst (in the ~ of) hagati,
amacāmbwa
migraine agahanzi
mild (to be) gutēkereza
mildew ifīra
(making others think you've done a
~ when it's only a deception) uburyi
mirror icīrori, icīrore, irore
(to get) gutūnda
miscarriage ukuruhira ubusa
milk (to) gukama
misdeed umuziro
(to finish milking a cow) guhāza
(to ~ into mouth) kugoba
miserable person umugōrwa
milk amata
misfortune akaga, icāgo
(human) amabērebēre
(buttermilk) amaterere
(skimmed) amatererwa
(given to sick) umwērēra
(sour) urubu
(containers, table or shelf for)
uruhīmbi
(cup) icānsi
(to have dirt in ~) gutobeka
(to pour ~ down another's throat)
kuramiza
(to put skin of dead calf before cow
so she will give milk) kwōrokēra
(to remove a foreign body from)
gutosōra
(to sour, curdle) kuvura
mislead kuyobeza
(aim and) guhusha
(be lonesome for) gukūmbura
(each other on path) kunyuranwa
(fail to find) kubura
(pass by but not meet) guhubana
(one head) ururo
(harvest of) igenya, igesa
(harvester) umugenyi
(to harvest) kugenya, kugesa
moan (to) kuborōga, kuganyira
moaning umuniho, akaborōgo
mob (of youth) imisore
mock gushinyira
gutētērwa
model (photo, fashion) umumaneke
model icītegererezo, akarorero
(to ~) guha akarorero
missionary umumisiyoneri
modern kigezweko, -gezweko
misspeak (err in speaking) kuyoba
modesty isoni
('excuse me, I said a wrong word,
misspoke myself') bambe
modify (vi) guhinduka
mist urwīrungu, igipfūngu
(to ~) kunyanyāga
(condensation) umuhisha
mistake ikosa (Sw.), ifuti
millet uburo
mixture ikivānge, uruvānge
mocked (to be easily) gutēteka,
miss gusība
milkman umukamyi
millepede (small) inyōngōri
(together) gusukiranya
(up) kuzīkuruka
(up thoroughly) gusobanganya
(to make a ~) gukosha
(to make a ~ in counting or
speaking) kuyoba
mistaken (to be) guhuba,
(vt) guhindura
(esp. colour) kubēngūka,
kubēnjūka
(mind) guhindura
(money) kuvūnja
(often) guhindagura
(opinion often) kugaragurika
moisten (to ~) kubombeka
mold ifīra
kuyoberwa, gukosha (Sw.)
(on food) umufyīra
mister Bwana (Sw.), Bgana,
moldy (to become, esp. manioc or
million umuliyoni, umuriyoni
umushīngantāhe
grass) kuvūnda
millstone urusyo, irtyazo
mistreat guhahaza, guhama,
mole (animal) ifuku
mince (along) kunyonyera
mincer agasyanyama
mind (I don't ~) ntaco
gusīnda
(on skin) isunūnu
mistress (my) mābuja
mollify (to) guhōyahōya
(your) nyōbuja
mom (dearly loved) māma
w'umukōndo
(my, our) māma, māwe, ma
(your) nyōko (sometimes with
negative implication, rude
derogative)
(his, her, their) nyina
mistrust (to ~) kwīkēnga, gukēba
mind reader (to be) kuragura
(each other) guhinyurana
minister (servant) umusuku
mistrust ikēkwe, amakēnga
(prime minister) Ministre mukuru
(cabinet minsiter)
umushikiranganji
minute (tiny) -nzīnya (used esp.
with th class)
miracle igitangāza, akūmiza
(not by God's power) amarēba
misunderstands (one who
deliberately) ikidāmbidāmbi
mix (vt) gutēranya, kuvānga,
kuvāngavānga, kuvurūnga
(dough) gucūmba
(things up and pack them down
together) gukanjagura
(thoroughly) gucucuma
180
moment amango, ikibariro,
umwānya, ikivi
(of finishing or attaining
something) ikirīngo
(to wait the right) guhēngēra
(a short time) akanya
mommy (dearly loved) māma
w'umukōndo
(my, our) māma, māwe, ma
(your) nyōko (sometimes with
negative implication, rude
derogative)
(his, her, their) nyina
(to wane) gutūba
(to wax) gutūbūka
(mold) ifīra
(on food) umufyīra
moon-faced (to be) gushisha
mound ikirūndo
monarch umukama
(to be) gusāga, gusāguka
(to do even) kurushiriza
(of grain) amarwi
(of grain and chaff mixed)
ubukūmbi
(of rocks) igihongo
(of wood) akarwi
Monday kuwa mbere
more than (to be) gusāga
mountain umusozi
money (from German Heller)
(~ enough) gucāguka
amahera
(from French Franc) ifarānga,
amafaranga
(to change ~) kuvūnja
(to lend ~) kugurana, gukopesha
amahera
moreover bitayeko, uteko,
mongoose isambwe
mop (to ~) gukoropa
more –ndi
ikigeretseko, ubwo, nubwo
monkey inkēnde, inguge
(large) imamfu
month ukwēzi
(January) ukwezi kwa mbere,
Nzero
(February) ukwezi kwa kabiri,
Nyamagoma, Ruhuhuma
(March) ukwezi kwa gatatu,
Ntwarante
(April) ukwezi kwa kane,
Ndamukiza, Kabozambuba
(May) ukwezi kwa gatanu, Rusama
(June) ukwezi kwa gatandatu,
Rwirabura, Kiyumpu
(July) ukwezi kwa ndwi,
Mukakaro
(August) ukwezi kwa munani,
Myandagaro
(September) ukwezi kwa cenda,
Nyakanga
(October) ukwezi kwa cumi,
Gitugutu
(November) ukwezi kwa cumi na
rimwe, Munyonyo
(December) ukwezi kwa cumi na
kabiri, Kigarama
mourn (to) kuganya
morning igitōndo
(early) agatōndo
(early, just before dawn) agahuru
(good morning!) bwakēye
mortar ikarabasasi, ubudongo
monitor (to) gukurikirana, kurāba
(large ~) igisozi
(foot of) umucāmo
(peak) impīnga
bw'isima
(for grinding) isekuru (or isekuro)
(pestle for) umusekuzo
(to grind or shell in wooden
mortar) gusekura
mosquito umubu
(~ net) umusegetera
moth ikinyungunyungu
mother (dearly loved) māma
w'umukōndo
(my, our) māma, māwe, ma
(your) nyōko (sometimes with
negative implication, rude
derogative)
(his, her, their) nyina
mother-in-law (my) mābukwe
(your) nyokobukwe
(his, her, their) inabukwe
mourning amaborōgo
mouse imbeba
mouth akanwa
(big, many) amanwa
(person whose mouth is very dry)
umwūnwa
(to burn in, smart in) gukera
(to cover the mouth of another with
hand to keep him from making a
sound) gupfūnda
(to open) gutēranura umunwa,
kwāsama
(to put in the ~ of) gutamika
(to rinse the) kwīyugunyura,
kwīnyugunura
mouth odor ubwaku
mouth ulcer ibisebe biterwa
n'isuna
mouthful (to take a) gutamira
move (vi) kwīmuka
kurindīsha
(oneself) kwīrūra
(to ~ to make an effort)
gushīshikaza
(vt) kwīmura
(about) gutēmbēra (Sw.)
(things to another place) gutūnda,
gutereka
(to another chieftanship) gucikira
(to a new location) kujōnjōra
(to cause to move) gusegenyesha
motor imoteri
movie theater isinema, isenema
moo kurābira
motorbike ipikipiki
Mr Bwana (Sw.), Bgana,
mood (gram.) umuvugire
motorbus (bus) ibisi
(temper) ibicunduguta, imico
moon ukwēzi
(name of) Nzero
motivate (to) kwīrūza, kuremēsha,
motorcycle ipikipiki
mould (bricks, pottery) kubūmba,
gufyātura
181
umushīngantāhe
much cane, –inshi
(very much) rwōse
(to be too much) gucāguka
mud ivyōndo, uburongo, urwōndo
(black) urushānga
(to be stuck in) gushāya
(to get out of) gushāyūka
(to pull out of) gushāyūra
indono
(to play) gucurarānga, kuvuza
musician umuhanzi
must (to have to) kurīnda, gukwīra
mud-slinging ukuvuga nabi abandi
musty (to get) gutūnda
muddy (deep ~ place) ishāyo
mute (person) ikiragi
(to be) gushāya
mull over (to) guhekenya, kunoza,
muttering umwīdodōmbo
nature (of person, thing) akamere,
akameremere, ubumere
(spirit) imbāndwa
nature ibidukikije
nausea igisesema, iseseme,
ikirungurira
(to cause) gusesema
(to feel) kurungurirwa
nauseated (to be) gusesemwa
gutapfuna
my –anje, –nje
(by repulsive thing) gushishwa
multiplicand ingwizwa
my name is nītwa ...,
izina ryanje ni ...
navel umukōndo
mystery ibānga
kurondera, gushakisha (Rw.)
multiplier ingwiza
multiply (vi) kugwīra, gusagāra
(vt) kugwīza, gucimbataza,
kwūngura
(because of having fed well, cows)
kugisha
(rapidly, as insects) kujagata
(rapidly) kurōndōka
(as seeds, cows, etc.) kurondōra
multitude intēko, ishengero
mum (dearly loved) māma
w'umukōndo
(my, our) māma, māwe, ma
(your) nyōko (sometimes with
negative implication, rude
derogative)
(his, her, their) nyina
navigate (to ~) kurondera,
kugendura, gucukūmbura
N
nail umugera, urumāmbo,
umusumari (Sw.)
(fingernail, toenail) urwāra
(person) umwāmbure
(to go) kugēnda amēnya, kugēnda
gusa, gufurama
nakedness ubwāmbure
name izina
mumps amasambambwika
munch (to) guhekenya, kunoza,
nape (of neck) igikanu, irugu
murder (to) kwīca, kwongeranya
napkin agatambaro abakenyezi
bakoresha iyo bari mu butīnyānka,
akabindo
murder ubwīcanyi
narrate kudōnda
murderer umwīcanyi
muscle inyāma y'umubiri, umurya,
umusoso, umutsi
(to be sore in) kunywāguka
mushroom igihepfo, igihefo,
igihefu, ikizinu
(little) ubumegeri
narrow (to be) kwāga,
gupfungānya
(to make) kwāza
(to go through ~ pass) kunyegētera
(~ escape) agahēngekezo
(~ place) imbōmbāne
nasal cartilage umwīrīri
music umuziki
nation ihānga, ubwōko, ishānga
musical (instrument, esp. zither)
national (person) umwenegihugu
inānga
(with strings) agahugūgu
(large bow-like instrument) idono,
navigator (internet ~)
mushakisharubuga
nay ahubwo
near hāfi, hāfi ya (followed by 'ya'
naked amēnya
(to name) kwīta
(to be named after) kwītiranwa
(to get names confused) kwītiranya
gutapfuna
navigate (to ~ the internet)
native imvukira, umwenegihugu
182
if there is an object)
(to be) kubāngikana
(to draw ~) kwegēra, kwīyegereza
nearby hāfi, hāfi ya (followed by
'ya' if there is an object)
(to be) kubāngikana
(to draw ~) kwegēra, kwīyegereza
nearly (prep.) hāfi
necessary (adj.) -kenewe,
bikenewe, zikenewe etc.
(to be) gukwīra
necessity ibikenewe
neck isozi
(to cut ~ of animal) gukerera
(of clothes) izosi ry'impuzu
necklace urunigi, ikirezi
necklage (chain worn on neck)
umugufu
need ubukene, ibikenewe
(to be in ~) gukena
(to ~) gukenera
(to be in, having lost one's
possessions) gusurura
(to have ~ of) kwōndera
(to help one another in loaning
what is needed) gutērēra
(to relieve) gukenura
(supplying of) ubukenuke
(to have one's needs supplied)
gukenuka
never nta ho, ntabwo
night watchman umurāririzi,
(dependant clause) ata ho
umunyezamo (Sw.), umuzamu
(Sw.)
needle urushinge
nevertheless mugabo, yamara,
(for sowing) urushinge rwo kujisha
imipira
never mind (I don't ~) ntaco
ariko, nubwo
new -sha, -shasha
nightfall (to be overtaken by)
kwīrīra
nine icēnda, cēnda
(nine times) icēnda
nineteen icumi n'icēnda
needlework umubarīro
(to be, as new teaching) kwāduka
(to bring new seeds or cattle into
country) kurondōra
needy person umukene
newcomer umucīkire, incīkire
mirongurwēnda
neglect kwānjānjwa
news inkuru, amakuru, indemano,
impūha
(in TV, radio) amakuru
(esp. of battle) imigūmūko
nits imigi
needlessly (tu use) kwāya
(one's work) kwigaramangira,
gusibānganya
ninety mirongwicēnda,
no oya
kuresha
(beside) iruhānde, hambavu
(~ day) bukēye
(~ week) indwi iza
(adj.) nta, ata
(emphatic) oyāye, ishwi, eka,
ekāye, wapi
(to say ~) guhakana
(euphemism for a polite No)
nzokubarira (lit. I will let you know)
Negro (person) umwirabura
nibble (to) guhekenya, kunoza,
no one nta n'umwe, ntanumwe
negligence urwāngāra, ubute
negligent (to be) gutenzūra
negotiate (to ~ a marriage)
neighbor umuturanyi, umubānyi
(to be) kumana
neighborhood umuhana, umubāno
neighbour umuturanyi, umubānyi
next (the ~) ibikwirikira
gutapfuna
nobility ubupfāsoni
nice -īza, nyawo, etc.
(to be ~ to look at) kuroreka
(~ to meet you)
ni vyiza kubonana nawe
(to be) kumana
nicely nēza
neighbourhood umuhana,
niece (daughter of sister, if a girl;
umubāno
daughter of brother, if boy)
umukōbwacu, umukōbwanyu,
umukōbwabo
(daughter of brother, if one is a
girl) umusēngezana
(daughter of one's sister if one is a
boy) umwīshwa
neither nta na kimwe
nephew (son of brother)
umuhūngwacu, umusēngezana
(nephew or niece, child of one's
sister if one is a boy) umwīshwa
nerve umutsi
nervousness amaganya,
umwītwaririko, intūntu,
guhagarika umutima
nigh hāfi, hāfi ya (followed by 'ya'
if there is an object)
(to be) kubāngikana
(to draw ~) kwegēra, kwīyegereza
night ijoro
nest icāri
(to make) kwārika
net (for fishing) urusēnga
(mosquito ~) umusegetera
net curtain ugushira iharire mu
mpuzu ibonerana
(to be) kwīra
(to be almost over) gushīra
(e.g. ijoro rishīra ubuca)
(to lodge for the) kurāza
(to spend the ~) kurāra
(to spend the ~ alone) kwīrāza
(to spend the ~ at) kurārīra
(to watch, as watchman) kurārīra
neuralgia ububabare bwo mu mitsi
183
noble person umupfāsoni
nobleman umuninahazwa,
umutūngwa, umwūbahwa,
nyakubahwa
(in adressing him), umupfāsoni
nobody nta n'umwe, ntanumwe
nod (in sleeping) gutūringiga
noise urwamo
(loud, frightening) umuturagaro
(esp. of battle or strife)
umuvurungano
(of earthquake, or approaching
storm) umugigimo
(of rain, thunder) umuhīndo
(of wind, rain, running feet, etc.)
igihīnda
(to make a big) kwāsana,
kubomborana, kubugiriza, gusāma
(to make a lot) kuvurungana,
kuyogora
(to make a loud frightening)
guturagara
none nta, ata (in dependent clause)
noodles ubwoko ba'amakaroni
noon isaha sita, sasita, amashōka,
ku mamina ngohe
numb (to be) gutimba
observe kwītegereza, kurāba
(to make) gutimvya
noose impururu
number igiharūro, nimero
nope oya
(a very large, ten thousand etc.)
isīnzi
(of things) igitigiri
(carefully) gukengūza, kwihwēza
(class distinctions) kuzīrōra
(to superstitiously ~ certain days)
kuziririza
(a taboo) kuziririza
(adj.) nta, ata
(emphatic) oyāye, ishwi, eka,
nurse (children's) umurēzi w'abana
ekāye, wapi
(medical, male) umuforoma
(to say ~) guhakana
(euphemism for a polite No)
(medical, female) umuforomakazi
nzokubarira (lit. I will let you know)
nurse (vi) kwōnka
(vt) kwōnsa
north uburaruko, ikasikazi (Sw.)
(to ~ an invalid) kurwāza
nose izūru, itonde
(to ~ from a cow) kugoba
(bridge of) umwīrīri
(nosebleed) umwūna
nut (peanut, groundnut) icēma
(to get in and cause to sneeze)
gusagāra
O
nostalgia urukumbuzi
nostril itonde
not nta, ata
(is not, are not) si
(not at all) na mba! īshwī!
(not a bit) n'intete
notch (teeth) guhongora
notebook ikaye
nothing (a ~) imburūngu, igaragara
(adv.) ubusa
(adj.) ntanakimwe
(to say ~) kunuma
notice (poster) iyerekanwa
notice (to) kurabukwa
notify kubūrira
notorious character akābarore
notwithstanding nubwo
noun izina
(class of) umutigiri
novelties (to like) guharara
November ukwēzi kwa cumi na
oar ingafe
obtain kurōnka
obtainable (to be) kuboneka
obtrusive (to be) kwerura,
kutagira isoni
obvious (to be ~) kugaragara
occasion uburyo
occiput agakomokomo,
inkomokomo
occupation umurimo, igikorwa
ocean ikiyaga
oarsman umusōza
October ukwēzi kwa cumi (or,
oath indahiro
kw'icumi), Gitugutu
(to take an) kurahīra
(to go back on) kurahurūra
odor (of scorched flesh or hair)
oats ingano z'ibisheshe
umubabwe
(mouth ~) ubwaku
obedient (to be) kugandūka,
kuyoboka, kwūmvira
offended (to be) gusugurirwa
obese (to be) kuvyibuha
kwītōndera, kwūmvira,
kugandūkira
(unwillingly) kugambarara
(to force to) kugandūra
(to refuse to) kugaranya
gushikana
(gift) guterēka, gutūra
(presents) guhōnga
(sacrifice) gushikana
(to spirits) guterekēra
(but take back) guhema
(place to offer to the spirits)
igitabo
object (of worship) ikigirwamāna
offering impērezwa, ishikanwa,
obliged (to be ~ to) kurīnda,
itūro
gutegerezwa
(to be ~ to adopt the less desirable
of two plans) gutēgekanishwa
office ububwīriza,
obey kugamburuka, kugendanira,
obliquely (to place) guhirika
rimwe (or, kw'icumi na rimwe)
Munyonyo
obscured (to be) kuzimangana
now nōne, ubu, ubuho
(great) umuzimagiza, umuzitanya
(in daytime) ubwīrakabiri
(right now) ubu nyene, non'aha
(now then) nōne
obstruct (to) gutega
obscurity umwījima, umwīza
observation icashitsweko
offer (to) gutānga, kubangira,
(room) ibiro
offices (government) iboma
official (of government)
umusirikare, bulamatari
offspring uruvyāro
often kēnshi
oil amavuta
(olive) amavuta ya elayo
nudge gukoma
184
(dirty ~) amavuta mabi ava mu
mashini
(to leave ~) kurāngāza
(space) agahīnga
orphan imfūvyi, intābwa
OK sawa (Sw.), ni sawa
opening (small, in an enclosure)
but not in reality) kwīyorobeka
okay sawa (Sw.), ni sawa
icānzo
ostensibly (to be humble or good ~
other –ndi
operate kubāga
(no ~) nta wundi
(man) umutāma
(person) umusāza
(woman) umutāmakazi,
umukamakare
(to be) kurāmba
(to be, but still strong) kugwagura,
guhūmura
(to become) gusāza
(to become, woman) gukēcura
(to grow) gutāma
ophthalmology ubuvuzi bw'amaso
other than uretse
opinion iciyumviro
otherwise (conj.) ukundi
older (~ brother of boy) mukuru
oppose kwānka
old (age) ubukuru, zabukuru
(~ sister of girl) mukuru
opponent (in game) uwo
muhiganwa, uwo mudasangiye
umurwi, uwuhiganwa
opportunity umwānya, uburyo
(to lack ~ to say what you
intended) kujanirana, kujaniranwa
(adv.) ahandiho
ought gukwīra, kurīnda
our –ācu
ours –ācu
out (to go ~, as fire or light)
kuzima
opposite (to be) kunyurana
out hānze
olive oil amavuta ya elayo
(to make) kunyuranya
out of mu
omelet umurete, umuleti, umureti
oppress guhahaza
outcome ingaruka, igisubizo
omit guhaza
optimistic (to be) kugira umwizero
outcry imigūmūko
on ku, kuri
or cānke, cyangwa (Kinyarwanda,
outer (garment) umutamana
on top hejuru
once rimwe
one -mwe, rimwe
used in northern Burundi)
or so (prep.) hāfi
oral cavity akanwa
outline igicapu, igicapo,
igishushānyo, ishusho, igishusho
(to ~) gushushānya
(to take, draw) gucapura
orange (fruit) icunga, umucūngwe,
umucūngwa
(color) umutugutu
outside (of house) hānze, inyuma
ordain kwātira, kurambikakw
ibiganza
oven ifuro
order (decree) itēka
over (prep.) ku
(in ~ that) kugira ngo, ngo,
bitayeko
over (way over there) harīya
(adj.) -sa
open (vi) kwāturuka, gukīnguruka,
order (to) gutumiza, gusaba
gupfunduka
(vt) gufungūra (Sw.), kugarānzura,
gukīngūra, gupfundurura,
kurumūra, kwūgurura, kuzibūra
(the eyes) gukanura
(the eyes of another) guhumūra
(flower) kwātura
(the mouth) gutēranura umunwa,
kwāsama
(mouth, or book) kubūmbūra
(suddenly, vi) kuzibūka
(to be ~ to view) kugaragara
(to be wide ~) kurāngāra
(to place in) gukirānura,
kuringaniza, kurorānya
(one solitary thing) urudēnde
(one banana, head of grain, etc.)
umuhānyu
(to come ~ by ~) gutororokanya
(~ by ~) isorōsoro
onion igitunguru
only gusa, nyene
ordination ukwātira
(to go ~) gusohoka
(to put ~, take ~) gusohora
(not too far away) harya
(to be almost, night) gushīra, e.g.
ijoro rishīra ubuca
(to be left) gusigara
(to leave) gusigaza
(left-overs) imisigazwa
over-crowded (to come up thickly
ore (metal) ubutare
and thus not do well) gusorora
origin inyānduruko, akārōnda,
over-ripe (to be ~ by nightfall)
inkomoka, inyāmo
kwīrīra
originate (person) kwāmūka,
overcharge (to) kuzīmba
kwānduruka, gukomoka
ornament integuro
185
overcome kunēsha, gutsīnda,
kunaniza
(to be ~ by something difficult)
kunanirwa
(to ~ an enchantment) kurogōra
(seek assistance to) kugomorera
(to help another ~ enemy)
gukōndōrera
pagan umupagani
gukōbwa
(vt) kuboza
(of foods) kugāsha
(another's reputation) kwāmbika
ibara
overflow ibibōgabōga,
pail indobo
pan (frying ~) ipanu
umusēsekara
(place where river has overflowed
the banks) ikidēngeri
(to ~) kubōgabōga, gusēsekara
page urupapuro
paid (to be paid for, for marriage)
(saucepan) isafuria, isafuriya
pain igisigo, umubabaro,
overturn gusunūza
ububabare
(sharp) umusōnga
(to get relief from) kwōroherwa
(to grit one's teeth to avoid
showing) gushinyanga, gushinyiriza
(to have) kubabara
(to have severe) kurībwa
(to suffer) gucumukura
(to suffer without complaint)
kwīyumānganya
(to take pains with) kwītōndera
overwork (to) gutama
paint (to) kuraba
overflowing (to be full to) kubōga,
kubōgabōga
overnight (to keep) kuraza
overseer umuntu ahishirigwa
overthrow umushombo
owl igihuna
own (to) gutūnga
pamper (to ~, vi) kubora, kwōnōna
pancake ikerepe
panic (to be seized with)
kudegemwa
panther ingwe
pants ipantaro, ipantalo
(short trouser, shorts for sports)
ikabutura
papaya ipapāyi
(to ~ oneself) kwīraba
paper igikaratasi, urukaratāsi,
urupapuro
(large sheet) igipapuro
paint irāngi
papyrus (reed or swamp) urufūnzo
pair (to ~) guhūza
(reed) urukorogota
(mat made of split) ikigāra,
ikinyāmbuga
owner (of) nyene
(to be a ~) kumana
(of kraal) umutūngwa, sēnaka
(to be sole) kwegukira
pajamas ipinjama
pal umugēnzi
parable umugani
parade kwīyereka
(to ~ down, vi) guhamāngira,
kunyika
(vt) kunyikiza, gutsindagira
(close ~) umukūnzi
(intimate ~, the one you share your
last hidden food with) somambike
(most intimate ~, ”you die - I die”)
pfampfe
(to visit a ~) kubūngirana
palate (soft) amāgage
paralysis ubumuga, ugukongatara
pack ipaki
pale cēra
paralyzed (to be) kumugara,
package uruboho, umuzigo
(to be) gucēkūka, kubēnjūka,
kwiraburanirwa
kuremara
pallbearer umuhāmvyi
(to ~) kubabarira, kurekurira,
guharira
P
pack (to) gupakira
(of goods) ipaki
(small) itu
packed (to be hard-packed, as
path) gukomāntara
packet uruboho, umuzigo
(of goods) ipaki
(small) itu
pallid (to be) gucēkūka
palm (of hand) ikigānza, urushi,
umunwe
palm (tree) ikigazi
paragraph igika
parallel (to be) kubānga,
kubāngikana
(to make) kubāngikanya
pardon ikigōngwe
pardoned (to be ~) kurekurirwa,
guharirwa, kubabarirwa
parent umuvyēyi
(oil) amamesa
parrot (gray and red) gasuku
palpate (to) kugaragura
part (to ~ with) gutandukāna
paddle (to ~) gusōza
palpitate (heart) kudidagizwa,
kugurugūmba, gusimbagurika
padlock igufuri (Sw.)
palpitations (to have) kudidagira
part igice, igicuri, umugabane,
ikigabane, igihīmba, ingaburo
(to be ~ of) gukukira
pad (worn on head when carrying
load) ingata
(big one for beer pots) urugata
186
partiality (as result of bribe)
urwānkunzi
partition ikibambāzi, umukīngo,
urusīka, igisīka
(of reeds) impete
partridge inkwāre
party (political) umugambwe
pass guhita
(allow to) kubisa
(allow another to) kubisiriza
(between) kunyura
(by) guhita, gukīkira
(by, but not meet) guhubana
(gas) gusurira
(out gifts) kugaba
(out of sight) kurēngāna
(over, by, aside) kurēngāna,
kurēngānya
(the night) kurāra
(through) guca
(to bring to ~) gucimbataza
(to go through a narrow ~)
kunyegētera
(to bring in passing) guhitana
pass away (to) gupfa, gucīkāna,
guhwēra, kuranduka
(of king) gutānga
(esp. of one who has been ill for a
long time) kudēndūka
(to be about to) kugoyagoya
(suddenly) kweguka, kugaduka
(suddenly and unexpectedly)
gukenyuka
(used of person scorned by others)
kwijajara
pass water (to) gusōba, kunyara
(cow) kugānga
passion fruit itunda, marakuja
past akahise
pastor umupasitori
pasture (belonging to great chief)
icānya
(fresh, new shoots of grass)
umugutu
(to ~, vi) kwāhuka
(to ~, vt) kuragira, kurīsha
(animals in good place) kwāhura
(in greener pastures, vt) kugisha
(to lead cows to) guturutsa
pasture (to ~, vi) kwāhuka
peace amahoro, impore,
(to ~, vt) kuragira, kurīsha
(animals in good place) kwāhura
(in greener pastures, vt) kugisha
(to lead cows to) guturutsa
amarembe, ihūmure, ubutekanyi
(to make ~) kubangūranya
pat (child) gushīshītira
patch ikiremo, ikiraka, icome
(to ~) gutera ibiremo, kuremura
path inzira, irāngo
(made by cows) umuhōra
(of water in heavy rain) umuvo
(wide) igihamo
(to go along right in, esp. animals)
gutōta
(to go down the middle of) kwātīra
(to light the) kumurika
(to put on the right) guhubūra
(into rugo) umuharuro,
umurombero
peak (of mountain) impīnga
peanut icēma, ikiyōba
(to put ~ in food) gutotera
pearls ubudede, akadede
(esp. big ones) ubusaro
pebble akabuye
peck kunoba
peddle (to) kugurīsha
pediatry ubuvuzi bw'indwara
z'abana
pee (of humans) amasōba, inkari
(of animal) amagānga
pee (to) gusōba, kunyara
patience urwīhāngāne
(cow) kugānga
(to be at the end of one's)
kudundumirwa
peel guhwāta, kumyōra
(of skin after burn) kwūburuka
patient (to be) kwīhāngāna
peeling igishishwa, udukōkōrwa
pattern ikigereranyo, igipapuro
c'umuderi
peg urumāmbo, ijisho ry'ikirenge
paw ijānja
(to stretch out skin to dry by
putting sherpened pegs around
edges) kubāmba
pay (to ~) gutānga, guhēmba
(bribe to win one's case) kwihonga
(debt) kwīshura
(dowry) gukwa
(for work done) guhēmba
(fee) kubugura
(homage to) guhōngera,
gushengera, gushengerera
(no attention to) gusamāra,
gutimba
(salary) kugerera
(money into account) kubika
amahera
(to make up for wrong doing)
kwīcungura
pay ingero, urugero, igihēmbo,
impēmbo
(salary) umushahara
peg out (to) kwījajara
pelvis ikiyunguyungu
pen (for writing) ipirimu
pencil ikaramu (Sw.)
(for slate) idushi
(~ box) agapfuko k'amakaramu
penetrate (into) kunyegera
(skin, esp. under fingernail)
gusesēra, gusesereza
penis inzanyi, imboro (Sw.),
ubugabo
pension ipansiyo
penuriously (to give) kuzirukanya
payment ubwishu
people abantu
(of debt) inyīshu
(overdue) ibirāre
(to demand ~) kurihisha
(group of) akarwi
(group moving along) akavuvu
pea ubushaza, ubwīshaza
187
pep up (to ~) kwongereza
akanovera, kurunga
pepper (Sw.) ipiripiri, ipilipili,
agapiripiri, impiripiri
(chilli) urusenda
perceive kurabuka, kurabukwa
percussion instrument ingoma
(sacred royal ~) karyenda
(sacred ~ ”for whom one
ploughs”) murimirwa
(sacred ~ ”for whom one clears
brush”) ruciteme
(sacred ~ accompanying the king)
rukinzo
(sacred ~ ”dispenser of peace”)
nyabuhoro
(sacred ~ ”lady of the land”)
inakigabiro
(to beat ~) kuvuza
(to beat continuously, thus setting
time for others beating) gusāsīra
(stick for beating ~) umurisho,
umukembe
perfect guheraheza, guhīngūra
(to be) kuba agahore, guhebūza,
kunengesēra, gutūngāna, kwūzura
(to make) kuroraniriza,
gutūngānya, kwūzuza
permit (to) kureka, gukūndira
(mean and quarrelsome) ikijōra
(meek) umugwanēza
(merciful) umunyembabazi
(miserable) umugōrwa
permit iperemi
(of high rank, noble character)
(driver's licence) iperemi yo
umupfāsoni
gutwara umuduga
(of nice disposition) ikirende
(one by himself) inyakamwe
persecute kudendereza, guhama
(sharp) inkazi
(each other) guhamana
(skillful) umuntu w'inkuba,
persecution akadenderezo
umugesera
(strong) umunyenkomezi
persevere gukomeza, gushīshikara,
(stubborn) intakonywa, intābwīrwa
gushimika
(tall, fat) ikigwīnyīra
(weak) umugoyigoyi, urudēndevu
persist gucunaguza, kwigumira,
(white) umuzungu, umwera
gukovya, kunogēra, kuramiriza,
(who is great, severe, wise)
gushimika, gushīshikara
akaranda
(in asking questions) kuzigiriza
(with many children) umurēngera
(in old custom) kuzīrōra
(worthy of praise or love)
(more strongly than before)
umunyagikūndiro
gukobeza
(patiently) gukenyera, gukenyerera
personnel abakozi
persistence umwītwaririko
perspiration icūya, urwūya, icūya,
ukubira
icūya
persistent (to be) kwītwaririka
(to ~ to go) kurekura
(permit me!) enda
persistently (to as, although
refused) gucuna
perforate (to) gucumita, gutobora,
person umuntu
kuzibūra
(in order to kill) gusogōta
(through) gutobekeranya
(as with a nail) guhānda
(bad) umubi
(Black or African) umwirabura
(cross) ibāmba
(courageous) intwāri
(dedicated to Kiranga) igihwēba,
igishegu
(dishonest) igihūmbu
(elderly) umusāza
(fearful) igihumura
(from far away) umunyankīko
(good, kind, just, holy, righteous)
umwerānda
(grammar, ~ of verb) umuvugwa
(handsome) umuhizi
(hard to get along with) ikigoryi
(harsh) umuhāmbāzi
(honest, speaking truth)
imvugakuri, umunyakuri
(honorable) umupfāsoni,
umwūbahwa, nyakubahwa
(intelligent, skilled, eloquent)
umuhānga
(kind and charitable)
umukūndanyi
(lovable) umunyagikūndiro
(malformed) ikirema
performer umuhanzi
perfume isenga
(bark used for) imibavu
(leaves used for) imbazi
(to put on nice smelling stuff)
kwōsa
perhaps kūmbure, kur'ubu, nkēka,
hashobora, yomba
peril icāgo
period (punctuation) kaburūngu
perish (to) guhenebēra, guhona,
kuranduka, gutikira, gutōngōka,
kuyogera, kudēndūka, guhera
permanent thing intahava
permission uruhusha, igikūndiro
188
perspire kubira icūya
persuade (in underhanded way)
kubembeteranya
(to succeed to ~ someone to leave
his evil ways) gukōndōra
(to talk with someone to try to ~
her to elope) gucīkiza
(to try to ~) gukiranira
persuasion inyōshwa
pertain (to ~ to) gukukira
pertussis akānīra,
inkokora y'akānīra
pessimism ukwāma wihebuye
pestle (for grinding in mortar)
umusekuzo
pet igitungwa
petrol ibitoro, igitoro ca essence
petroleum ibitoro, igitoro ca
essence
phallus inzanyi, imboro (Sw.),
ubugabo
pharisee umufarisayo
pile ikirūndo
(a fight) gusōtōra
(peas, beans, berries) gutōbōra
(squash, corn) gukōndōra
(up) gutōra, kuyōra
(up, as birds do) kunobagura,
kunoba
(up bits of food here and there)
kunūranura
(up here and there) gutōragura
(up manure and put in garden)
kuvūmbura
pincer (of wood used by snuff
smokers) umunēngo
kugereka, kugerekeranya
(oneself) guherēra
(somewhere) gushiraho
(two things side by side, parallel)
kubāngikanya
(to be placed wrong end to)
gucurama
(to give place to each other)
kubisīkanya
(to hold in) kugumya
(to leave a) gushingūka
(to make) kubisa
(to make for one another to pass)
kubisīkanya
(to put a thing in its certain ~)
gutereka
(to remain in ~ of another)
gusigarira
(to stand in a certain ~ thus
making ~ for another) kubisiriza
(to take the ~ of another) kwākīra
(to take the ~ of another watching)
kubangūra
(to go from ~ to ~) kuyugayuga
pineapple inanasi
place ikibānza, ahantu
picture igicapu, igicapo,
(of animal) amagānga
pharmacy ifarmasi
phlegm igikororgwa
(to spit up) kuruka
phlegmatic ubutēkānyi
(to ~) guhorereza, guhoza,
guhwāmika
(to be) kwītōnda
(to become) guhora, guhūmura
phobia ubwōba
photo ifoto
photograph ifoto
physical (strength) amagara
pick (a chicken) kumōngōra
igishushānyo, ishusho, igishusho
(to ~) gushushānya
(to take, draw) gucapura
piece ikimānyu, ikigegene, igice
(of bread) ikibege
(of fruit) icamwa
(of land) ishāmvu, ikivi
(of paper or cloth) ibitabu
(of something that has been cut)
igisate
(to come to pieces) gusambūka
(to tear in pieces) gutabagura
pierce (to) gucumita, gutobora,
kuzibūra
(in order to kill) gusogōta
(through) gutobekeranya
(as with a nail) guhānda
pig ingurube
(guinea pig) imbeba y'ikizungu
pigeon inuma
pile (to ~ together) gukumakuma
(to ~ up) kurūnda, kurūndarūnda
(of grain) amarwi
(of grain and chaff mixed)
ubukūmbi
(of rocks) igihongo
(of wood) akarwi
pill ipirire
pillage iminyago, ubusahuzi
(to ~) kunyaga, gusahura
pillager umusahuzi
pillar inkīngi, igikīngi
pillow umusego
(to ~ one's head) gusegura
pimple (to have) guturika
pin umusumāri (Sw.), agapengeri
(clothespin) umunēngo
(safety) igikwāsho, igikwāshu
pipe (as hollow bamboo) umugano
piss (of humans) amasōba, inkari
piss (to) gusōba, kunyara
(cow) kugānga
pistil (of flower) isage
pit urusumanyenzi
pitch (a tent) gupānga ihēma
pitted (to get rutted or ~ from rain)
gushānyūka
pity akagōngwe, ikigōngwe
(around trees where nothing else
grows) impehemyi
(damp) ikinyōta
(for spreading out grain) imbuga
(meeting ~) ihūriro
(of another) igishīngo, icīto
(prepared to put anything)
igitereko
(smelting) urugānda
(to offer to the gods) igitabo
(to receive money or other things)
iyakīriro
(to sit) umusēzero
(uninhabited) agahīnga
(very narrow, tight) imbōmbāne
(where food is plentiful) ubusumo
(where water has flooded) isēsero
(without ~) utwininga, irarīrari
(to have ~ for) kubabarira
placenta ingovyi
place (to) gushira
plaid cloth igitāmbara c'ikigoma
(to ~ here and there) gukwīragiza
(in order) gukirānura, kuringaniza,
kurorānya
(facing each other) kurorānya
(objects together in irregular
fashion, end for end) gucurikiranya
(obliquely) guhirika, gukīkama
(be placed obliquely) gukīka
(on) gushikiriza
(one thing above another)
189
plain igitega, ikiyāya
plait (to) gutsiba
plan (to) gutegūra, guteganya
(to ~ for) gutūmbēra, kugira
imigabo
(secretly to do something)
kwimbirira
(to be obliged to adopt the less
desirable of two plans)
gutēgekanishwa
(to have several plans of what to
do) gutēgekanya
(musical instrument vigorously)
kwōmānza
play igikino, urukino, umukino
pocket umupfuko
(to take from pocket or other
concealed place) kugoborora
(at theater) utugenegene
pods (tiny bean) urusokoro
player (of musical instrument)
poetry (sung ~ in honor of cattle)
plane (airplane) indēge
umucurarānzi
(sport) umukinyi
plane (to) kubāza
playground ikibuga
ibicuba
(sung legend) igitito
(to recitate lyrical ~) kwishongora
planning imigabo
plead (a cause) kubūrana
plant (to ~) gutēra
(earnestly for something) kubobōta
(with) kugōbēra
plan imigabo, umugambi, integuro
(upset plans) inkomānzi
(to ~ broadcast) kumījīra
(first) gushūza
(small seeds) kubiba
(to be loaded with fruits or grain)
gutēngerera
(to be lush and green) gutotahara
(to come up thickly and thus not do
well) gusorora
(to have abundant leaves and
branches) gusagaba
(to help ~, throw beans in soil as
other hoes) gutēragira
(to put forth branches) gushamika
(to put out big spreading
branches) gusagarara, gutabarara
(to send forth shoots) gutōha
plant imbuto, ikimera, ibitērwa
please (interjection) ndabigusavye
kunēzereza, kuryōhera
pleased (to be) kunēzērwa
pointed (to be) gusongora
pleasing (to be) guhīmbāra
pointer (of scales) urushinge
please (to) guhīmbāra, kunēzēra,
pleasure igihīmbāro
(to do something that causes)
gusamāza
(to give) kunēzēra
pledge indagano
(to give, as security) kugwatiriza
(to receive back) kugwatūra
(to eat, rude) guhīmba
(to have plenty) guhīmba
(place where food is plentiful)
ubusumo, amasumo
plantain igitōke
pleurisy umusōnga, igifuka
planter umubivyi
plough (badly) gusibanganya
planting (time of, small grains)
pluck (from stalk) kumyōza
plenty (to eat) guhāga
ibiba
plug (stopper) igipfūndikizo,
umupfūndikizo, umufundikizo
(sticking ~, med) isuparadra
plump (to be) gushisha
plate isahāni, isahāne
(to ~ as with silver) kumadika
(to clean up one's ~ completely)
gukōmba
plateau (high) umugāmba
play (to) gukina, gufyina, gufyinata
(musical instrument) kuvuza,
gucurarānga
(to ~ at) kugena, kugenekereza,
gutūnga urutoke
(~ out the way) kugereraniriza
point umugera, isōnga, igisōnga,
umusōnga
(to reach a certain ~) kugera
(to sharpen to a ~) gusongora
(~ help!, interjection) ntabāra!
(small) urugāmba
(small trees that start up around
big one) umuvyāro
(stunted) ikirūmbirane
(young for transplanting) ingemwe
plaster (to) guhoma
point (to) kwereka
plunder isahu, inyagano, iminyago,
urunyago
rw'umunzane
poised ubutēkānyi
(to ~) guhorereza, guhoza,
guhwāmika
(to be) kwītōnda
(to become) guhora, guhūmura
poison (to ~ by bewitchment)
kuroga
(to take a drink to prove it is not
poisoned) kurogoza
poison ubumara, uburozi, ishano
(of snake or other animal, in
mouth) ubusagwe
police (officer) umupolisi
polish (to) gukurūngira,
gukuyēngeza, gusēna
politician umunyapolitiki
politics politiki, poritiki
pollen umurāyi
pollution umwānda, ico, ubucafu
(vt) gucokeza
(esp. on body) ubuhoma, imvyiro
(in water) ikirohe
(in water, milk) igitotsi
(to have dirt in water, milk)
gutobeka
(to rubb off) guhungura
pneumonia umusōnga
polyuria (to have) kunyaragura
plunderer umusahuzi
plundering ubusahuzi
plunge (~ in, vi) gucokera, kwībira
190
ponder (think over whether a thing
is right) kurimbūra, gutegēra,
kuzirikana
pool (of water) ikidēngēri,
post (office) iposta, iposita, ibiro
vy'amakēte
poster iyerekanwa
umunyika
postpone gusīvya
poor (man) nyarucari
pot (clay cooking) inkono, inaga,
praise (to) gushīma, guhīmbāza,
gushemagiza, gutāzīra, guhaya,
gushīmagiza
(for something received)
gushemeza
(highly) kuninahaza
(highly, one of whom you've heard)
gusāsira
(often) guhayagiza
(oneself) kwīhaya, kwīshima
(oneself often) kwīhayagiza
(the wealth of another) gukāma
(person) umufafara, umufafare,
umwōro
(elders and rulers, esp. in regard
to their function of helping the
poor) barutungaboro
(to be) gukena
(to become ~ after wealth)
gucobogora
impānge
(for water) umubīndi, umuhānge,
umukātwa, ikibīndi
(coffee ~) ibirika y'ikawa
(small for butter) urwāvya,
ikebano
(very large) intāngo
(with long narrow neck) agakarabo
(cooking pot) isafuriya, isafuria
poorly (to be made, esp. thing of
clay) guhōmba
potato (sweet) ikijūmbu, ikijūmpu
praiseworthiness ubuhizi
(sweet, vines) imibuto, imivyūka
(white) ikiraya, ikiyāra, igihaya,
intofanyi
(fried chips) ifiriti
pray gusaba, gusenga
potency imbaraga
preach gusigūra
potter umubūmvyi
preacher umusigūzi
pound (to ~, as heart)
kudidagizwa, kugurugūmba,
gusimbagurika
precede (to) kubanziriza,
pour (into) gusuka
precious (something ~) agacīro
populous (tribe or family) ikigaga
(strong) igisata
porcelain ibumba ryera
porch urubaraza (Sw.)
pork ingurube
(guinea pig) imbeba y'ikizungu
pork butcher umuyangayanga
w'ingurube
pork butcher's (shop) ihinguriro
ry'inyāma z'ingurube
porridge umwengano, umusururu,
igikoma
(thick bread-like) ubugari
(to stir) gushigisha
port ikivuko
porter umwikorezi
portion umugabane, ikigabane,
ingaburo
(big, of food) irobe
(out) gusēsa
(forth water, as spring)
kududubiza
(milk down another's throat)
kuramiza
(water on another's hands)
kwūhīra
(water on hair before cutting it)
kuvuba
poverty ubukene, ubwōro
(absolute) ubufafara, ubufafare
praise ishīmwe, amatāzīrano
(person worthy of ~ or love)
umunyagikūndiro
(frequently) gusabiriza
prayer igisabīsho, isengēsho
kwītangīra, kurōngōra, gutānga,
gutangīra
prediction ihanurwa
prefer (as lesser of two evils)
gupfuma
preference (to have) gupfuma
prefix (to change prefixes,
conjugate) guhadikiriza
pregnancy inda
pregnant (to be) gutwāra inda,
(person of high ~) umupfāsoni
powder ipuderi
kugira inda, kuremērwa
(through adultery)
gutwāra inda y'ishushu,
gutwāra inda y'indāro
possess gutūnga, kwegukira
power ububāsha, ingānji,
preparation imigabo, integuro
possession (esp. fields or lands)
ubushobozi, imbaraga, ubutegetsi
(one who has) intwāri
prepare (to ~) gutegūra, guteganya,
position igiti
icībare
possessions umurēngera, itūnga,
imbombovu, ubutunzi, amarōnko
possible (to be) gushoboka
poverty-stricken (person)
umufafara, umufafare, nyarucari
practice umwīmenyereza
(to ~) kwīmenyereza,
kuguma ugerageza
(a profession) guhīngūra
post (column) inkīngi, igikīngi
191
kuroraniriza
(food quickly for one) kuzina
(ground for sorghum) guhānda
(oneself to strike) kubangura
(a place for building) gutaba
(place for newborn baby) kubīkīra
(things for a trip) gutēkera
(to fight) gukenyera
(to go) kwīkora
(one who prepares for another)
integūza
prevent kubuza, gutururuza
prescription itēka, ukwandikirwa
probable (to be) gushoboka
(from speaking) guhwāmika
(one from harming another) kuzina probably umēnga, umēngo,
kūmbure
prevention ugukingira
problem ingorane, ikibazo
previous (to be of the ~ year)
(no problem) ntakibazo
(i.e. beans) guhitira
procrastinate kwīrengagiza
price igicīro, ikiguzi
produce gukora
(purchase price) ikiguzi
(heavily or abundantly)
(redemption ~) ingorore, inkūka
gutengengera
(to ask very high ~) kuzimba
(no longer) gutītūka
prick inzanyi, imboro (Sw.),
produce ibirimwa, ivyīmburwa
ubugabo
imiti
pricked (to be, by thorn) guhāndwa
presence (of great person)
pride ubwībone, ubwīshime,
inyōnga, inyundo
amanyama
production umwimbu
present (exclamation to a
priest umuhērezi
professor umuprofeseri
superior) sabwe!
(traditional gender-crossing ~)
ikihindu, ikimaze
(catholic priest) umusaseredoti,
umupadiri
prepared (to be) gutegūrika
(for, i.e. on guard) kugaba
(for building) gutabwa
(to do or run quickly) kugabiriza
(to go with everything ~)
kugēnda hange
preposition indondahwaniro
present (gift) ingabire, ishimwe,
impano, ikado, itūro
(to give) kugabira
(to receive) gushikirwa
(to ~ a gift with something
expected in return) kugemura
product icahinguwe, akagenegene,
ibicuruzwa
(university professor) umwigisha
wa kaminuza
proffer (to) gutānga
profit amamaro, inyungu, imāri
priesthood ubuhērezi
present (to be) kuba hano
primate (monkey) inguge
(not financial) ikimazi
(to ~) guhōmbōka, kumarira
(to make) kwūnguka, kwūngura
(to make no ~) guhōmba
president perezida, umuperezida,
umukuruwigihugu, umukuru
w'igihugu
prime (adj.) -kuru
program (entertainment, TV)
press kubānda, kubāndana
(down) gutsindagira
(in order to smooth) gupfunyūra
pressing ugukanda
presumptious (to be) kwīrārīra,
primary (adj.) -kuru
prince (blood relationship)
ikigānīro
progress amajambere
umuganwa
principal (adj.) -kuru
principal (school director)
umuyobozi w’ishule
principle urufatiro, iremezo
(to make) gutēra imbere, kuyoboza
prohibit (to) kwāmira, kwīhaniza,
kuziza, kuvuna, kubuza
prohibition umuziro
project umugambi
kwītāra
print (thumb) igikumu, ikinkumu
pretend (something isn't so)
print (to ~) kudoma
kwiyobagiza
(to work) gushaza
priority icambere
building, as church tower, comb on
house, etc.) kenese
pretext urwītwazo
prison ibohero, umunyororo
prolific (to be) kurōndōka
prison cell (tiny) umugāso,
prolong kwūngururuza
ingōbāne
promenade kugēndagēnda
prisoner imbohe, umunyororo
promise indagano, umuhāngo,
iragi, isezerano
(to ~) kuraganira, gusezerana,
kuragana
(to fail to keep) gutēzūra
(to fail to give what one has
(excuse me!, when interrupting)
untūnge
(excuse me!, when wrong word is
spoken) bambe
pretty -īza
(to escape) gutoroka
(pretty thing) akeza
privilege ubuhīrwe
prevail (to) kunēsha
prize igihembo
192
projection (of any kind on
promised) kugaramāngira
proverb umugani
(to ~ and then pretend you haven't)
provide (to) guha, kugaburira
kwiyobagiza
(result of failure to keep ~) urudubi (for) kuziganya
prompt (to ~) gutuma, gutēra
province intara
prone position (anything in)
provoke kwāndurutsa,
gusomboroza
(to fight) gusōmborotsa
umurambararo
(to be in) kwūbika inda
pronounce (clearly) kwātura
pronouncement (work or
prune (to ~) guhānyura, gukona,
gutūtūra
punish guhana
(by death on the spot) kwīciraho
(repeatedly) guhanahana
punished (to be ~ because of a
certain thing, or for someone else's
wrong) kuzira
punishment igihano
pup ikibwāna, imbūnda, ikibūnda
pupa ikinyo kivamwo
ikinyugunyugu
command sent out by king and
spread by chiefs) amatēka
pry up kubāndūra
proof icāgiriza, agahinyuza
public (being nice to someone in ~
prop urwēgo
but not in private) urw'amaso
(for closing door) ikibāndo
(something on ground, not high
up) gushigikira
(up) kwegeka
publicize kwāndagaza, kwāngāza
imboni
publicly (to tell) kwerura
puppy ikibwāna, imbūnda,
publish (to ~) kumenyēsha
ikibūnda
pucker gutuna
pure (esp. beer undiluted with
property itōngo
(inherited) ishāmvu
pubic hair inzya
pupil (of eye) imbonero, imboni
pupil (student) umwīgīshwa,
umunyushure, umunyeshure (Rw.)
pupillary (of eye) imbonero,
baherezako
water) –novu
(to be) guca, kwēra
(to become) guhumānuka
puff (with exertion) guhēmūka
puree igicucume
pull gukwēga, gushikura
purification (water ~)
kuyōra amazi
prostitution uburāya
(by roots) gusitura, kumomora,
kurandura
(easily) kumomoka, gushikuka
(things away from plant or tree)
gukurira
(~ out, ~ up stake) gushingūra
(out of the mud) gushāyūra
(teeth) guhongora
protect (to) kubūngabūnga,
pullover umupira
prophesy (to) kubūrira
prophet umumenyi, umuhanūzi
propitiation impongano
propose guhubūra
proposition ināma
prosperity umugisha
prostitute (person) maraya (Sw.)
guhāngāza, gukīnga, gutūnga,
kuzigama
(oneself) kwīrinda
protein indemamubiri
protestant umuprotestanti
proud (to be) kwīkakīsha,
kwīmānya, kwīshīma, kwībona
prove kwāgiriza, kwerekana,
pudding imfungurwa zisosa
purify kwēza, guhumānura
(oneself) kwīsukura
purple (color) -tugutu, umutugutu
pulp ikiribwa c'icamwa
purpose urwēgo, umugambi,
igituma
(on ~) ibigirānkana
(to do it on ~) kubigira ku mpaka
(or, ibigirankana)
pulse indihaguzi
purr kugōna, guhara
pumpkin umwūngu, igihaza
purse umupfuko, umufuko
(leaves) umusoma
(plant) uruyūzi, umuvyūka
(seed) uruyūzi
punch ikōfe
(on the face) inshi
guhinyuza, kujījūra
puncture (to) gucumita, gutobora,
(that a drink is not poisoned)
kuzibūra
kurogoza
(to one that he's wrong) kujīnjibura (in order to kill) gusogōta
(through) gutobekeranya
(a prove) icemezo
(as with a nail) guhānda
193
(ladies ~) agashakoshi
pursue (go after) kugīra,
guhamana
(one another) kugenzanya
pus amashira
push gusunika
(another down) gukungagura
(each other) kugundana,
gusunurana
(forward) gusekura
(a person down where he belongs)
gutururuza
(out, e.g. wind bulging cloth)
kubāndūra
(violently) gusunura
(to help to) gusunuza
(to sleep) gusinziriza
(to work) kwāhura
(up, e.g. arms) gutarika
(up bee hive) kwegeka
(wood on fire) gukomānya
(yeast in beer) kubetera
pussy injangwe, akayabo, akayabu
put forward (to) gutānga
questioning impaka
pussycat injangwe, akayabo,
put to death (to) kwīca,
queue urutonde
akayabu
kwongeranya
(because of revenge) kuziza
(oneself) kwīyīca, kwīgaragura,
kwīyahura
pustules (to have) guturika
put gushira
(away) kubīka, gushingūra
(away the harvest) kwīmbura
(away beans for a year) guhitiza
(away for a year, to be ~) guhitira
(away, for several years)
guhitikirana, guhitirana
(away, to take to) kwāndūra
(back) gusubīza
(bees in new hive) kwātira
(down) guhwāmika
(down roughly) gusekura
(forth new leaves) kurēmba
(hand to face in gesture of
surprise) kujorerwa
(handle on) gukwikira
(higher) gukiriza
(in certain place) kugabānyānya
(in order) kurorānya
(into water) kurobeza
(near fire to dry) gutara
(on clothes) kwāmbara,
kwīyambika
(on nice smelling stuff) kwōsa
(off doing what one should)
kwīrengagiza
(oneself above where he belongs)
kwītāra
(out fire, light) kuzimya
(out great branches) gusagarara
(out in sun) kwānikira
(outside) gusohora
(right) gutūngānya
(skin of dead calf before cow to
make her give milk) kwōrokēra
(something cool on burn) gupfuvya
(somewhere) gushiraho
(things together) kurementanya,
gusorōranya
(to bed) kuryāmika
(together) kwegeraniriza, guhūza,
gutororokanya, kwegeranya
(to one side) guherereza
(to ~ carefully) gucunaguza,
gucunaguriza
(to ~ so strongly that one dares not
deny again) kujīnjibura
question ikibazo
(of chosen ones) itorero
(to ~) gutōndeka, gutōndēsha
quickly n'ingoga, vuba vuba
kwījījānya
(to do) gukwākwānya, gutebūka,
gutebūtsa
(to do ~ and carelessly) kuraha
(to do, esp. used by Batwa)
gushōka
pygmy umutwa
quickness ubukuba, ingoga
pyrex (dish) ikirahuri gikomeye
bakoramwo ibikoresho vyo mu
gikōni
quiet agahwēkēre
python isato
quietly (to go) kuyōmbōka
puzzle kuzāzānira
puzzled (to be) kuzāzānirwa,
(to be) kunuma, kurema
(to remain) kwīyorosha
quinzy agafindofindo
Q
quake (earth) kunyiganyiga,
gutigita
quarrel intonganya, imitongano,
amahāne
(to ~) gutongana, gutonganya,
kurandagurana, guhārīra, guhāzāna
(to be always looking for)
kwītōraguza
(to start a) kwāndurutsa
(to stop ~ and make them like each
other) kwūnga
quarrelsome (person) ikijōra
quit (altogether) kujījūka
(to work carelessly wanting to ~)
kuregarega
(to not ~ without accomplishing a
certain thing) gushirwa
(to ~ a job) gusezera (ku) akazi
(to ~ work for the day) kugodoka
quiver (to) kudēgedwa,
kudēgemwa, kujugumira,
guhīnda agashitsi, kuja mu gashitsi
R
rabbit urukwāvu
quarrelsomeness ubujōra
(~ hutch) akazu k'inkwavu
queen (wife of king, or of great
chief) umwāmikazi
(ruling, mother of king)
umugabekazi
race (to ~) guhiga, kumaranira,
quell (to) kubuza, gutururuza
quench (one's thirst) guhodoka,
gusiganwa, gutanguranwa,
kurutanya
race inyāmo, ubwōko
racing heart (to have) kudidagira
kwīshōza, kwīca inyōta
racket urwāmo
question (to ask) kubaza
raft igitēbo
(to ~ in sense of examine) gucaca
rafter umwashi
194
rag igihanaguzo, igitāmbara co
guhanagura
rage (to snort with) gufūhagira
rags agashāmbara, umushāmbara
railroad igāri ya moshi
railway igāri ya moshi
rain imvura
(light, fine) urunyanyāga
(main rain season) itumba
(season of early rains) agatāsi
(very heavy) isegenya
(very heavy, sweeps away crops on
hillside) inkukūra
(wind and rain, storm) inkūbi
(path of water in heavy rain)
umuvo
(to ~) kugwa
(with imvura, i.e. imvura iragwa)
(to begin to ~ after dry season)
gutāsura
(to cause to, sorcerer) kuvuba
(early in morning or for a long
time) kuvōvōta
(heavily) guhonoka
(a long time without stopping)
kujobanya
(on) kuvubira
(softly) kunyanyāga
(to threaten to) gukuba
(to fall continuously) gushāna
(to fall heavily) kuzibiranya
(to go for shelter in) kwūgama
(to be soaked by downpour)
kujōbeka
rain forest ishāmba
(arm to strike, to pull a bow)
kubangurira
(clamor) kugūmūka
(eyes) kurarama
(from dead) kuzūra
(higher) kurārūra
(in sense of increase) kwongera
(head) kurāngamiza, kwūnamūka,
kwūnamūra
(up) kumanika, kwūnamūka,
kurāngamiza, kwūnamūra,
kuraramuka, kuvyūra, kuvyūtsa
(voice) kurangurura
raise up gukiriza, guterura
ration irasiyo
rave kudedēmba
ravine imānga, ikimānga, umukuku
raw –bisi
ray (of sunlight) ikibēngebēnge
rayon ihariri
razor urwēmbe (Sw.)
razor blade urwēmbe (Sw.)
reach (to) gushika
ram (to ~ into) guseka
(a certain point) kugera
(for) kurondera
(term, pregnancy) kuramukwa
(goal) gushika kw'ihangiro
(up) gutaramura
ram isuguru
read gusoma
(from ground) kurārūra
(one who is lying down) kuvyūtsa
(the head) kuraramuka
(~ aloud) kubogora
rancor umururazi, inzika
reading isomwa
rank igiti
(person of high ~) umupfāsoni
ransom incūngu, inkūka
(to ~) gucūngura
rap kudoda, gukomānga
ready (to be) kugera
(to be ~ for, i.e. on guard) kugaba
(be ~ for harvest) kwīyerēra
(to prepare things for trip)
gutēkera
real nyakuri, nyāyo
rape guterura
real estate itōngo
raphia imihivu
rapidly (to work) gufuruguta
reality impamo, ibinyakuri
rapping inkomānzi
(in ~) mbere
(to know the ~ of a case) guhinyura
raptor igisīga
realize (to) kumenya
rash (to break out with) guturika
really koko, cane, kuvyukuri,
rain maker umuvurati
(of spots etc.) ugusesa amahere
n'ukuri, y'ukuri, c'ukuri etc.
rainbow umunywamazi,
rat imbeba
reappear kunyeguruka
umukororōmvyi
(cane ~) isiha
(at surface of water) kwīburuka
raindrops amatōnyānga y'imvura
ratatouille uruvangi
rear (a child) kurera
rains (to be late, not fall) gutara
rw'imfungurwa zitetse mu tuvuta
dekeyi
rearing (of children) indero
(main rain season) itumba
(season of early) agatāsi
rate (price) igicīro
rainy season itumba
rate (to) gupima, kwīyumvīra
(early, Sept.-Oct.) agatāsi
(principal, Feb.-May) urushāna
rather (very) cane
raise gusokōra
(animals) gutūnga
(arm) kurāmvura, gutarika
(but ~) bambe
(would ~, to prefer) gupfuma
rather than hāko
195
rearrange gukirānura
reason inyānduruko, inkomānzi,
impāmvu, imvo, igituma
(to ~ with someone to try to
persuade her to elope) gucīkiza
(to ~ within oneself) kwībūranya
(to be tired without ~)
kudendebukirwa
(to lose ~) gusara
reassure guhōyahōya, guhoza
rebel (to) kugarariza
(sight) guhumūka
(when others around are dying)
kurokoza
rectangle urukiramende
(against authority) kumēnja
recurrent fever ikimputo
rebellion ubugarariji
red agahama, urugina
rebellious (to be) kugāba,
(to be) gutukura
(esp. sky) kwīrasira
(to make) gutukuza
kugābagāba
(to give) kwīma
(to give to another) kwīmana
(to give another his own) kugūnga
(to go on helping someone)
guhasha
(to listen, almost as crazy)
gutaragurika
(to listen to authority) kugarariza
(to obey) kugaranya
(to repay loan) guheranira
regain (consciousness) kurabūka
rebuke guhana, gukankamira
reddish umugina, urugina
receipt icemezo cy'ubwishu
(to become, fruits) kubēnja
receive (to) kwābīra, kwākīra,
redeem gucūngura
kurōnka
(back security) kugwatūra
(from someone's hands) kwēnda
(in one's hands) kwābīra
(loan and then not pay back)
guherana
(more) kurushiriza
(physically) gutēga
(presents) gushikirwa
(something as a gift or loan and
repay reluctantly and late) guhasha
(place to receive money or other
things) iyakīriro
redeemer umucūnguzi
reduce (~ swelling, vi)
kuvyīmbūka
(vt) kuvyīmbūra
(diminish) kugabanuka
(to ~ price) kugabanya
regardless of nubwo
reed ikibīngo, ikibīngobīngo,
irēnga, igishakshaka
(papyrus) urufūnzo, urukorogoto
(to drink from) gusōma
register (to) kwāndikīsha
recently vuba
reflect (sense of think) kwītegereza
reclaim (to) kwāka
reflection icījīji
recognize (to) kumenya
(of light) ikibatsi
recollection (words that remains in
refractory (to be) kunana
heart causing sorrow or anger)
isata burēnge
refrigerator frigo, firigo
(freezer) imashīni ikanyisha
regurgitate (baby) kubōga
recompense guhēra
reign ingoma
kwūzuriza
refuge ubuhūngiro, ubwīrukiro,
ubukiriro, uburuhūkiro
(little place of) agahēngekezo
reconciled (to be) gucudika,
refusal agahamo, uruhamo
kwūzura
refuse kwānka, kugāmbāna,
kuryōherereza
(the words of another) kwītsa
reconcile gukūndanīsha, kwūzuza,
redemption price ingorore, inkūka
guhakana, kunana
(absolutely) guta agati, kuziririza
record (to) kwāndikīsha
(esp. girl to marry a certain man)
kubēnga
(oneself) kwīyandikīsha
(strongly) gukankamira
recount kudōnda
(to acknowledge one's wrong)
(stories of long ago) kugana
kudadarara
(to tell others what you've heard)
(to eat) kuzira
kwīgānira
(to eat or drink with) kunēna
recover (get well) gukira, kurokoka (to eat what you've always eaten)
guhura
(from fear or anger) guhūmura
reconciliation umwūzuzo
196
(life, strength) guhembūka
(health, possessions) kwōkōka
regard (without) utwininga,
irarīrari
(to go into danger without ~ to
oneself) kwīroha
region (administrative) intāra,
isheferi
register (to) kumenya
(oneself) kwīyandikīsha
regret intūntu
(to ~) kwīcuza, kwīgaya
regrettable (person) indushi,
umugōrwa, umurushwa, umutīndi
(to be) guhumirwa
regularity (work) ubwira,
umwēte mu bikorwa
(to ~) kugānza
reinforce (what one has said)
reiterate kwītsa
reject gushibura
(council) gusaragurika
(food that you've always eaten)
guhura
rejoice kunēzērwa
(at arrival of someone) gukēra
(in another's troubles) gukēkeza
(in coming of another) kwigina,
gusāsīrira
relate kudōnda
remind kwībutsa
repair guhīngūra
(stories of long ago) kugana
(to tell others what you've heard)
kwīgānira
(of one who is dead, or of
something forgotten) gucūza
related (to be) gusāna
umwībuko, akībuko
(car) gukanika imodoka
(house) gusanura
(something absolutely worn out,
or, ~ repeatedly) gusanasana
(woven thing) gusana
relationship isāno
reminisce (to remind of someone
who is dead) gucūza
relative incuti
(to be) gupfāna
reminder icībutso, icībukiriza,
remnant (of clan or family)
repairing ukuremura, ugusana
reparation (gift to make up for
release kurekura
badly over something he's done)
gutēteka
offending someone) icīru
(to make) guhōnga, guhōngera,
kuriha
(to pay to make up for wrong
doing) kwīcungura
(partially) gutenzūra
remove gukūra, gukūraho
repay kuriha
relief (of need) ubukenuke
(chief) gukōmbōra
(clothing) kwāmbūra
(completely) gutōngōra
(dry leaves from banana trees)
gutūtūra
(enchantment) kurogōra
(everything from burning house)
gusahura
(foreign body from eye, milk or
water) gutosōra
(from cross) kubāmbūra
(from fire or oven) kwōkōra
(from hiding) guhishūra
(from hole in ground, what one has
put there) kuzīkuruka
(grass from house) gukākura
(lid of basket) kurumūra
(load from head) gutūra
(skin from drying) kubāmbūra
(sliver for oneself) kwīhāndūra
(taboo) kuzirūra
(things) kuyōra
(things from flesh as witch doctors
supposedly do) guhura
(thorn or sliver) guhāndūra
repeat gusubīra, kwongera,
kugereka, kugerekeranya
(many times) kwiyongeranya
(to tell what one has heard while
eavesdropping) gutumbūra
(to ask another to ~ in order to
check his veracity) gucaca
relax kubangūra
relay ('bwakeye' to chief) gukānda
(to get ~ from pain) kwōroherwa
relieve (need) gukenūra
(another, as soldier) kugombōra
(one's own need) kwīkenūra
(to go to give things to one whose
house has burned) gusuhūza
(to be relieved of load)
kuremurukwa
religion idini (Sw.)
relinquish gutēzūra, gutēnzūra
relish icānga, uburyōhe, ubusōse,
akanovera
(thing with good ~) igisōsa
(to be of the ~ of) gusōsera
(to have good ~) gusōsa
reluctantly (to go, to do)
kwīyumānganya
remain kuguma
(in one place permanently)
guhama
(in place of another) gusigarira
(still, quiet) kwīyorosha
agahengekezo
remorse (to make another feel
remuneration ingemu
repent kwīhana
repetition (one who speaks with
senseless repetition of words)
ikirogorogo
replace gusigarira
replicate (to ~) kwīgāna
reply inyīshu, igisubizo
(to ~) kwīshura
reprehend (to ~) kunegura,
gupfāna
repress (to) kubuza, gutururuza
reprimand gukankamira
reproach (bringing ~ on others)
gutangāza)
render (speechless) kwūmiza
ububwa
(~ a dead person thus making it
hard for loved ones)
kwītāmba ku muvyimba
remedy (medical) umuti
rendezvous irendevu, ihūriro
reproduce (to ~) kwīgāna
remember kwībuka
renig (to promise and then pretend
you hadn't) kwīyobagiza
reprove gukankamira
remarkable bitangāje (from
(to be easy to) kuzīndūka
(maliciously of someone dead or
something forgotten) gucūza
remembrance icībukiriza, icībuko,
rend (tear) gutabagura
repulse (violently) gushibura
renounce (oneself) kwīnegura
repulsive (to be) gushisha
rent amahera yo gukotesha inzu
umwībuko, akībuko
197
(to be nauseated by a ~ thing)
gushishwa
reputation (to spoil another's)
kwāmbika ibara
(to be at ~) gutabāruka
(to be at ~, cows) kuvyāgira
request (to) kubaza
respond kwīshura
required (to be) gutegerezwa
requirement ibikenewe
(when called) kwītaba
(to answer to superior when
called) kurēnguka
rescue kurokora, gukiza
response inyīshu, igisubizo
rescuer umurokozi, umukiza
research (to) gushākashaka
(as on examination) impīngūro
rest uruhusha, ikiruhūko
(to one's country after famine is
over) gusuhūkuruka
(with) kugarukana
(person who goes never to return)
akagīrīre
(an investment ~) umwimbu
returning (a ~) akagaruka
reveal kwāndagara, kwātura,
kwerekana, gufobōra, gufurūra,
kugaragara, kugaragaza,
kugoborora, guhishūra,
kunyegurura, gusokorora
(oneself) kwibonekeza, kwībūra
(what is false) guhūmuriza
resemble gusa, gushusha
(to ~, vi) kuruhūka
(vt) kuruhūra
(to be at ~) gutabāruka
(to be at ~, cows) kuvyāgira
resentfulness umururazi, inzika
restaurant restora, resto
revealed (to be) guhishūka
resentment umujinya, ishavu,
resting place uburuhūkiro
revenge (to purpose to) gufūha
restitution (to make) kuriha
revenue imfashanyo, ivyīnjira
restrain (to) kubuza, gutururuza
(minimal) imfashanyo y'uwabuze
result ingaruka, igisubizo
revere gusona, gusonera, kwūbaha
future use) integakiba
result in (to ~) gutuma, gutēra
reverence icūbahiro
reserved (to be) kwīrengagiza,
kwīyumānganya
resurrect (vi) kuzūka
resemblance isāno
inzika, inzigo, igono
(lasting) isata burēnge
(that never ends) akazika
(to have ~ against) gukanira
reserve (something put away for
(vt) kuzūra
(to ~) kwūbaha
reverse (syllables in word)
gufudika
reside gutura
resurrected (to be) kuzūka,
(in on place permanently) guhama
kuzūrwa
revert kwīfūtānya, gufūtāna
residence itahīriro
resurrection izūka
revive (vi) guhembūka
resist kwānka, kurandagura,
retain gusībīsha
kunana
resolve (find the solution)
guhīngūra
resound gusāma
resources (money) inkomoko
y'ibintu
(to be at end of one's) kuzigirizwa
respect isoni, icūbahiro
(that which is respected) igitīnyiro
(to ~) gusona, gusonera, kwūbaha
(to lack) kwūbahuka
respected (person) umwūbahwa
(that which is ~) igitīnyiro
respiration uguhema
respite uruhusha, ikiruhūko
(to ~, vi) kuruhūka
(vt) kuruhūra
(vt) guhembūra
(after being wilted, fainted)
kurabūka,
retort (answer back lots of words to
(vt) kurabura
one who reproves) kuryāgūmba
revolt ubugome, umugome,
retrace (one's steps) gukubirana
umugararizo
(mild in character) akagūma
return (to where speaker is)
(to ~) kugarariza, kugoma,
kugaruka
kugūmūka
(other than where speaker is)
(against king) kugesera
gusubira
(to subdue) kugandūra, kugomora,
(vt) kugarukana, gusubiza
kugomoza
(from far away) guhabūka
(from hunting) guhīgūka
revolutionary umugesera,
(from running away) guhīngūra
umugome
(from war) gutabāruka
(home, of wife when angry at
reward ingero, urugero, impēra,
husband) kugēnda buje
igihembo
(to) gushikiriza
rhetoric imvugo
(to cause to) kugarura,
(paired with physical strength,
gukubiranya, gusubiza
seen
as rare characteristic)
(to fail to) kugīrīra
ijūnja
n’ijambo
(to have to ~ home because of bad
news) gukuba
rheum (disease of eyes) ururire
198
rheumatism amakonyera, imisozi,
imikuku
(the mouth) kwīnyugunyura,
kwīyugunyura
rhino inkura
rip gusonoroka, kubārurura
robbery ubwīvyi
robe ikānzu
(grass from house) gukākura
(to tear a big ~) kumwanyuruka
(up, vt) gutantamura
(up, vi) gutantamuka
robin (African) inyōmvyi
ripe (to be almost, esp. corn)
rock ibuye, ikibuye, urutare
(pile of rocks) igihongo
rice umuceri
kugengarara
(to be ready for harvest) kwīyerēra
rich (to be) gutūnga, gukira
ripen kwēra
rhinoceros inkura
rib urubavu
rib cage (of body) igikiriza,
igitūntu, agatūntu
(great) umurēngera
(become yellow or reddish)
kubēnja
(for certain fruites, esp. bananas)
gusha
(of fruits) kurunguriza
riddle igisōkōzanyo, igisōkōzo,
ripple umukanya
igisakuzo
(to ask) gusōkōza, gupfīnda,
gupfīndana
(to solve) gupfīndūra
(as in cloth) umupfunyu
(in face) umunya, injebejebe
(to ~) gupfunya, gupfunyirana
rich man umutūnzi, umukire
(food and drink of) igiturire
riches itūnga, ubutūnzi, ubukire
ride (to ~ a bike) gutwara,
gutwara ikinga
right (hand, side) uburyo, ukuryo,
rise (arise from lying) kuvyūka
(of sun) kubāndūka, kurasa (e.g.
umutwēnzi urabāndūtse)
(of anything containing leaven)
gukuka, gukakama, gututūmba
(from the dead) kuzūka
iburyo
(~ arm) ukuboko kw'iburyo,
ukuboko kw'ukuryo
(all right) niko, ni ko, n'ūko, sawa
(right now) non'aha, ubu nyene
(to be) kugororoka
(to become ~ side up) kwūburuka
(to turn ~ side up) kwūburura,
gucurūra
(~ side of cloth) uruhande rwiza
rw'impuzu
(to put ~) gutūngānya
(bank) inkokoro, inkengera,
inkombe
(current of) umukuba
(gentle flowing of) akayōmbēro
(middle of) umutānga, idāmba
(to cross over) kujabuka
righteous person umugorotsi
road umuhanda, ibarabara,
(to be) kugororoka
umuharuro, irāngo
(main ~) ihwaniro ry'amabarabara
righteousness inyankamugayo
rigid (to be) kudadarara
ring impeta
(to form a ~) gukora impeta
ringtail icūya
rinse kwīnyuguza
(clothes, grain, dishes)
kurongorora
(out dirt) kwūgunyuza
robustness imbaraga
rock (to ~ a baby) kuzungagiza
roll umuzīngo
(of church members) itōrero
(to roll, vi) gutembagara
(about, vt) kujegeza
(about on ground, vi) kuvurūnga,
kwītēmbagaza
(along) gusegenyeza,
gusegenyēsha
(over) gutēmbagaza
(up) gukuba,
(vt) kuzīnga
(up several times) kuzīngazīnga
(up, vi) kwīzingīra
(up, a skin that's been wet, vi)
gukōba
rolling stone urunāna
romance urukūndo
risk (to) kugira ivyago
romantic (to be) gukūndana
risk icāgo
romper-suit akabutura
k'amaburuteri
river urūzi
roadman umunyubarabara
roast gukarānga, gutara
(easily) gukarāngika
(in coals) kwōtsa
roast meat ubwoko bw'inyāma
yoroshe
roasted vyokeje
robber umusuma
199
roof igisēnge
(house with high pointed ~)
umushōnge, agashūngēre
(to put on a) gusakāra
roof top agatwe
room ikibānza, umwānya
(in house) icūmba, urusīka, igisīka
(inner) haruguru
rooster isāke, inkoko
root umuzi, igishitsi
(of word) itsina
(to pull out by roots) kurandura,
gusitura, kumomora
rope ingoyi, umugozi, akagozi,
umuzana, ikiziriko
(to bind criminal) imvuto
(heavy) injīshi
(loop of) impururu
(made of papyrus) umuhotora
(woven or plaited) igitsibo
ruins (house in) umusaka
rosary irozari, ishapule (Rw.)
rotted (things, place of) iborēro
guhahaza
(kindly) kwengēnga
(try to in another's place)
kurēngera
rough (place) ubukiru
rule itegeko
roughly (prep.) hāfi
ruler umugabīsha, umugezi,
rot kubora, kuboza
round (to be) kwībūmbabūmba,
kwībūmba, kwīburūngushura
(to make) kubūmbabūmba,
kuburūngushura
(object) imburūngu
rouse gukiriza, guterura
(from ground) kurārūra
(one who is lying down) kuvyūtsa
(the head) kuraramuka
row (to ~) gusōza
row umuhururu, umurōngo
(of people or animals) umukuku
rower umusōza
rows (on basket, cloth) umuhiro
royal place umurwa
royalty ingoma
rub gusīga
(bump so it doesn't swell)
kunyīngisha, gushiringitira
(clothes) kunyukura
(eyes in order to see, esp. one who
has conjunctivities) guhofōra
(grain to take off chaff) kuvūngura
(off dirt) guhungura
rule (to) kugera, kugaba, kugānza,
umutegetsi
(to sit) kuvyāgira
rulers (and elders, esp. in function
of helping the poor) barutungabōro
rumble (of earthquake, or
approaching storm) umugigimo
(in stomach) kuborōga, kugonga
(thunder) guhīnda
sad (to be) kubabara, kwījīrwa,
gushavura, gutuntura
(to feel) gutunturirwa
(to make) gushavuza
sadness akabōnge, umubabaro,
intimba
safe (to be) gukira
(as water) gutēmba
(down hill) gukoragurika
(to jump up and run quickly)
kwūbuka
(like a little child) kudiririmba
(out bit by bit till all is gone)
gushīrīra
(out to see something, usually of a
crowd) gushwabāduka
(over) gusēsekara
(very fast) kwīrukānga, gushīnga
amano
(to lean forward preparing to run)
gutuna
safe for uretse
run along (to ~) guhiga,
kumaranira, gusiganwa,
gutanguranwa, kurutanya
rushes urukāngaga
rubbish umucafu, umwāvu
rutted (to become ~, or pitted from
rain) gushānyūka
Rwandan (person) Umunyarwanda
rudely (to speak ~) kurofokwa
(language) Kinyarwanda,
ikinyarwanda
rug (small) umukeka
Rwandese Umunyarwanda
ruin (to ~, vi) kubora, kwōnōna
(vt) kuboza
(of foods) kugāsha
(another's reputation) kwāmbika
ibara
(to ~ for) kwīgura, kwīheba
(to give, offer, make) gushikana
(place to offer to the spirits)
igitabo
run kwīruka
rust ingese, ingutu
rude (to be) kwerura, kutagira isoni
(burlap) igunira
(long narrow for food) indebuye
(made of skin) umukuza
(to tie neck of) kuniga
(to tie up hole in) gutubika
sacrifice ikimazi, impērezwa
rubber umupira (Sw.), igikawucu
rubdown (massage) ugutsirita
sack umupfuko, isaho
S
sabbath isabato
200
safety pin igikwāshu
sake (for the ~ of) kubwa
salad isaradi
salad bowl igikoresho cumisha
imboga
salary igihēmbo, umushahara,
impēmbo
(to demand, to ask for)
guhembesha
(to pay) guhēmba, kugerera
saliva amate
salt umunyu
(native crude, made by soaking
ashes of a certain plant) umugōnzo
(food without) ibise
(to give salt to domestic animals)
kwūhīra
saltcellar agashinguramunyu
saltshaker agashinguramunyu
salvation agakiza
same (the) hamwe
(to be the) kungana
(to be the ~ size) kuringanira
(to be ~ length, height) kurēha
(to make ~ length, height) kurēsha
samosa isambusa
sample ico akarorero
sand umusēnyi
sandal inkwēto
(something that's been saved up for scare gukanga, gutēra ubwōba
(away with shouting) kwāmira
a year) igihitira
saving ukuziganya
(with strap between the big and the savior umurokozi, umukiza
other toes) ikambambiri
savor icānga, uburyōhe, ubusōse,
sandpit ikinogo c'umusenyi co
akanovera
(thing with good ~) igisōsa
gushushanya mwo
(to be of the ~ of) gusōsera
sanitary towel agatambaro
(to have good ~) gusōsa
abakenyezi bakoresha iyo bari mu
savour icānga, uburyōhe, ubusōse,
butīnyānka, akabindo
akanovera
sap (sweet) ubukame
(thing with good ~) igisōsa
(to be of the ~ of) gusōsera
sarcastic (to be ~) guhema
(to have good ~) gusōsa
(to speak ironically) kurtyekeza
scared (to be) kugira ubwōba
scarf igisikafu
scatter gukwīragiza, gusāba,
gusanza,
(vt) gusanzāza
(vi) gusanzāra
(esp. seeds from tree, vi)
gushwiragira
(vt) gushwiragiza
(everywhere, vi) gusābagīra
(everywhere, vt) gusābagīza
(seeds or dirt by scratching as
chicken does) gusūra
school ishūri, ishūli, ishure, ishule
sassiness amanyama, imirarwe
saw urukero, urukerezo,
umusumēno
(to ~) gukerera
satan ishetani, satani
say kubara, kugira, gukerutsa,
schoolbag agasaho k'umunyushure
sarcastically (to speak) kurtyekeza
satchel agasaho k'umunyushure
satisfied (to be) guhāga
(to be, used in negative way)
guhīmba
(to be, with) gushīma
satisfy kubūmba, guhāza
saturate (with) gutōtēsha
(to be saturated) gutota
Saturday kuwa gatandatu
sauce isosi
(tomato ~) isosi y'itomati
saucepan isafuria, isafuriya
saucy (to be) kuraraguza
saunter (to) kubagabaga
savage (to be) gukara
kurānga, kuvuga, kubarira, –ti
(no infinitive)
(to say no) guhakana
(he says) ngo, ati
(nothing) kunuma
(not ~ directly) gukingitiranya
(mean things to provoke another)
kwīyandagaza
(things to make others laugh)
guswāganya
(say!) erega
(you don't say!) itu
(slanderous talk) kuvōvōta
(one who says things he shouldn't
when with others) ikirandamuke
(one who says inappropriate
things) igihururu
scabies amahere, uruhere
scaffolding igitarikwa
scales ibikaragāshi
savanna umukenke
(for weighing) umunzāne
save gukiza, kurokora
scaly skin ibikaragāshi
(by means of) kurokoza
(beans for a year) guhitiza
(to redeem) gucūngura
(to store) kubīka
saved (person) umurokore
(to be) gukizwa, kurokoka
(to be for a year, beans) guhitira
(to be for several years, beans)
guhitikirana, guhitirana
scanty –ke, –keya, –kenya
school grade inota
scissors umukasi, amakasi,
imikasi
scold guhana, gukangīra,
gusīndira, gutāta, gukankamira,
gutonganya
(vehemently) guhāririza, guhahiriza
scolding igikangīro
scorch kubabura, gutara
scorched (to be) kubabuka,
kurabukirwa
score inota
scorn umugayo, akagayo,
agasūzuguro
(one who scorns others)
umucōkōranyi
(spit spurted from between teeth as
indication of) inyeri
(to ~) guhinyura, kunēma, kugaya,
gukēngēra
(to show ~ by spitting out)
gucīra inyeri
scour gufyikinyura
scar inkovu
(from medical cutting) ururāsago,
indāsago
(left by person scratching or biting
another) inkogote
(on gourd or skin) umuguma
(of plant) ibango
201
(pot) kwūgunyuza
scourge ikimōko
(to) gukubita
scrape guhara, guharura
(feet on floor, esp. because of
itching) gusyēgenya
scratch umukwābu
(to ~) gukūba
(as wood, slate, etc.) guharura,
guharagura
(oneself) kwīyāga
(with fingernails) kwāga
(with a nail) guhānda
scream akāmo, ubuku
(to ~) gutura ubuku
screen (to ~ a film) gukina
screen urubari
screw (to ~, only used of men,
rude) guswera
(to ~, only used of women, rude)
guswerwa
(to ~, to fornicate) kwenda,
kurya umwana
(time for planting small seeds)
ibiba
seem kuboneka
seat icīcaro
seer umuhanuzi
(bench) intebe ndende ifise umudo
(it seems) umēnga, umēngo
segment (of population) umuco,
seclude (one who likes to go by
igico
himself rather than with others)
ikirarashamba
segregate (vi) gukōndōka, kuvāna,
secret ibānga
(to betray) kumena ibānga,
guhemuka
(one who can't keep) igihururu
secretly urwīhisho, impisho,
inēnge
(to plan to do something ~)
kwīmbirira
section (of people) umuco, igico
security umutēkano, ingwāti
gutandukāna, kuvāvānura,
kubanduka, gutēranuka
(vt) kwāhukānya, gukumīra,
gusobanura, gutānya, kumatūra,
gutandukānya, gutēranūra,
kuvangūra
(chain, vi) kudohōka
(sense of divorce) kwāhukāna
(fighters) kubangūranya, gutātūra
(go ~ ways) gutāna
(one from another) kuvāngūka
(oneself) kugabanuka
(shake down to ~ from dirt)
gukebanya
(to give as pledge or security)
kugwatiriza
(to receive back) kugwatūra
seize gucakīra, gusūmira, kuramata
(to ~) gufyikinyura
(~ clothes) kunyukura
sedentary (to be) kuvūnda
select kurobānura
seduce kwōrekēra
(a person to sell a thing or to bring
tax) gutōza
sculpt (to) gukeba, kugegena
see kubona
self nyene
scrub ibisanze
sea ikiyaga
(after being blind) guhumūka
(see here!) erega
(that someone wishes to see you
alone) gukebuka
(through deceit) guhinyura
(with comprehension) kurabukwa
(middle of) igezi
seed imbuto, urutete
seal kurumanya
(to plant small) kubiba
sell kugura, kudāndaza, gushōra
seam umubarīro
seeing (face to face) ubwāmāso,
(to buy and sell) guhānjura
(well) kugurika
sculpture (to) gukeba, kugegena
scum urubobi, urububi, urukoko
scuttle indobo
search kwīhwēza, gusesa
(carefully) gusūra
(for) guhama, kurondera
(for a buyer) kubūnga
(carefully to see if anyone is there)
gukengūza
(to make ~ for) gushakisha
(in vain) kujarajara
season (to ~) kwongereza
akanovera, kurunga
season igihe
(dry ~) ici
(beginning of dry ~) impēshi
(~ of early rains) agatasi
imbonankubone
(~ one indistinctly because he went
to fast) rurabwe
seek kurondera
(advice) kugīsha
(assistance to overcome)
kugomorera
(doer of evil, as witch doctor does)
kuragura
(food) gusuma
(information) kugenzūra
(information about someone)
kubariritsa
(one's way) kujurajura
202
self-respect ubwīkūnzi
selfish (to be) kwīgūnga, kwīmana,
kwīgūngirako, kwīgūngagiza,
kwīkūnda
selfishness ubugūnge
semen intanga
semester igihembwe
send (esp. with message) gutuma
(person rather than message)
kurungika
(back) kurekura
(back, esp. cows) gucūra
(back woman to her husband when
she's gone home) gucūrira
(forth shoots) gutōha
(from room) gukumīra, gutaramura
(greetings) kuganūka, kuganūtsa
(in a hurry) kwīhanikiriza
(workers, some to one place, some
to another) gutānya
send in (to) gutānga
senior –kuru
seniority ubukuru
sensational bitangāje (from
gutangāza)
sense ubwēnge
(to ~) kwūmva
senseless (one) imburabwēnge
(one who speaks with ~ repetition
of words) ikirogorogo
sentence (judgment) ingīngo
(gram.) iryūngane
separate (vi) gukōndōka, kuvāna,
gutandukāna, kuvāvānura,
kubanduka, gutēranuka
(vt) kwāhukānya, gukumīra,
gusobanura, gutānya, kumatūra,
gutandukānya, gutēranūra,
kuvangūra
(chain, vi) kudohōka
(sense of divorce) kwāhukāna
(fighters) kubangūranya, gutātūra
(go ~ ways) gutāna
(one from another) kuvāngūka
(oneself) kugabanuka
(shake down to ~ from dirt)
gukebanya
serve gusukūrira
sex (to have ~, to lie down
(as a servant) kujakarira,
gushūmba
(food) gufungura
(king) kugarānzura
(meal to) kuzimāna
together) kuryamana
(to marry, to have ~, only used of
men) kurongora
(to be married, to have ~, only of
women) kurongorwa
(to have ~ without being married)
kurongorana
(to have ~, only used of men, rude)
guswera
(to have ~, only used of women,
rude) guswerwa
(to have ~, to fornicate) kwenda,
kurya umwana
(to have homosexual intercourse)
kwitomba, guswerana,
kuryana akameka, kuryana inyuma
(to make love like dogs, to have
homosexual intercourse,
derogative) guswerana nk'imbwa
service (church ~) amasengēsho
(as work) igikorwa
service (to repair, maintain)
gukanika
servitude ubugurano, ibija, ubuja
set (of sun) kurēnga
(down, to carry and ~ down
frequently) gusegenyeza
(example) guha akarorero
(fire to) guturira
(fixed time) kugerereza
(free) kudādura
(one's heart on) guhahamira
(the table) gupānga ameza
(time: to do something at a ~ time)
guhēnga
set example icītegererezo,
akarorero
(to ~) guha akarorero
sex igitsina
sex worker (person) maraya (Sw.)
sexy -īza
shade igitūtu
shadow igitūtu, icījīji
settled (down, to be nicely)
kugūbwa
shady (to be) gupfuka
seven indwi
(one who is great, severe, wise)
akaranda
kudēgemwa, guhīnda agashitsi,
kunyoganyoga
(vt) gukunkumura
(as earth) kunyiganyiga, gutigita
(down to seperate from dirt)
gukebanya
(down as when measuring)
kunyīngisha
(hands) guhānayāmbo
(hands with)
gukorana mu minwe na
(in the wind) guhuzēnwa
(one's head in anger or disgust)
kuzūnguza umutwe
serum serumu, iserumu
severity ubuhāmbāzi
shaking igishītsi
servant umushūmba, umusuku
sew kubarīra, gusona (Sw.),
shallow –gufi, –gufiya, –gufinya
(girl) incokere
(esp. at table) umugabuzi
(female) umuja
(male) umugaragu
(trusted, favorite) umukevyi
(to be ~ to) kujakarira, gusukūrira
gushona
(together) kwōmeka
(come unsewn) gusonoroka
(~ back on) gusubira, kubarira
seperating (thing) itandukāniro
seperation amacakubiri
September ukwēzi kwa cēnda
(kw'icēnda), Nyakanga
serene ubutēkānyi
(to ~) guhorereza, guhoza,
guhwāmika
(to be) kwītōnda
(to become) guhora, guhūmura
(times) indwi
seventeen icumi n'indwi
seventy mirongwindwi,
mirongwirindwi
sever (to) guca
(with one blow) gutemura
several -īnshi
severe (person) umuhāmbāzi
sewing umubarīro
203
shake (vi) kudēgedwa,
shame isoni, akamāramāza
shameful (to do ~ things) guhūmba
shameless (to be) gushirukanya,
kwerura
shape (state, condition)
ukumererwa
share kubūngirana, kugabana,
(to ~, peas, beans, peanuts, etc.)
gutonora, gushishagura
(in wooden mortar) gusekura
shopkeeper umunyabutike
shopper (in shop) umuguzi,
umuranguzi, umukiriya
kugabura, gusangira
(to buy a thing together and then
divide it) gusorōra
shelling (bombing) gutikiza,
n'amabombe
shore inkōmbe, inkūka
shelter (from rain, crude) umutāra
short –gufi, –gufiya, –gufinya
sharp (instrument, person) inkazi
(for animals) uruhongore
(for cows) irāro
(to ~) gukīnga
(to ~ oneself behind) kwīkingiriza
(to take ~ in rain) kwūgama
(to give ~) kwūgamīsha
shorten (vt) kugerūra
(to be, instrument) gutyara,
gukariha
(taste) gukara
sharpen gutyaza
(to be ~ something) gusība,
gukērērwa, kubura
shorts amakabutura, ibutura
shortsightedness uruhumyi
(stick) kugegena
(to a point) gusongora
(instrument) gukarisha
shepherd umwūngere
sharpening stone irytāzo
shield (to ~) gukīnga, gukīngiriza
(to toss garment over) gukūba
(shoulder bag) agashakoshi
sharpness (beer, etc.) ubukare
shield inkīnzo
shout (of alarm) indūru
shatter (to) kwāsana
(to) kuragira
(of variegated colors) ikizirazira
shoulder igitugu, urutugu
shout (to ~) gukoma indūru,
(to have hair ~ off) kwīkemūra
shining (to be) gukayangana
gusemerera
(for help) gutakāmba, gutaka,
kwāmbaza, gutabāza
(in sudden fear) gutūra ubuku
(to frighten away) kwāmira
shawl igitāmbara
shiny (cloth) ihariri
shouting uruhōgo, uruyogoyogo
(to be, as silk cloth) gukānga
shovel igipahu, iposhoro (Sw.)
ship icōmba
show kwereka, kwerekana,
shave kumwa
(off fibers for thread) gukubagura
shaved (to be) kumōbwa
she wē, wēwe, weho
sheaf (of grain) umukama
shear (to ~, as sheep) gukēmūra
sheath urwūbati
shin umurundi
shine kwāka, kumurika
(brilliantly) kuyagiriza
shirt ishati, ishimīzi
shiver (to) kudēgedwa,
shed kuva, kuvīra
kudēgemwa, kujugumira,
guhīnda agashitsi, kuja mu gashitsi
sheep intāma, intūngwa, igitūngwa
shock ugusekana
(flock) urwūri, inzirikwa
(sheepfold) uruhongore
shoe ikirato
sheet (bedsheet) ishuka
sheet (of metal for roof) ibāti
sheet (paper) urupapuro,
urukaratāsi
shelf ubushinguro bugerekeranye
(for milk containers) uruhīmbi
shoo (flies off cows) kuzīnga
shoot (sprout) umunago
(tiny, of bean or other plant)
umugoreko
(new shoots of grass, fresh
pasture) umugutu
(to send forth shoots) gutōha
shoot (to ~ arrow) kurasa
shell (of gun) urusoro
gufurūra, guserura, kubonēsha
(contempt, by spitting)
gucīra inyeri
(off) kwīkakīsha
(oneself) kwibonekeza, kwībūra
(the way) guhubūra, kurangīra,
kuyobora
(the way to one who is lost)
kuzimurura
(to not ~ one's feelings)
kwīrengagiza
show off (to) kwīgamba
shower (to) kwīyuhagira
shriek (to ~, weep) kurira, kwāna,
kwānira
(to give ~ of alarm) gukoma induru
(to give startled ~) gutura ubuku
(to sob silently) gupfunagira
(out) kuyogora
(out for help) kuborōga
(to ~, young about to die) kwānāna
shop (boutique) ibutike
(peanuts, etc.) ibishishwa
(little shop) iduka
(egg) ikibarara
(carapace) ikigaragamba, umuruka (carpenter) ibarizo, isaramara
(baker's) icumbiro ry'imikate
shell (to ~, corn) guhungura,
(cake ~) icumbiro n'iriro ry'imikate
shrink gutuna, kwītuna
kuvūngurīsha
(butcher's) idandarizo ry'inyāma
204
shrivel kwītuna
side (of person) urubavu
(not of person) uruhānde
shriveled (to be, flesh) kunyūnyūka (on this ~) hīno
(on this ~ of river, valley) hākuno
shrub igisaka, akagundu k'ibiti,
(on that ~) hīyo
agati
(on the other ~ of something but
shudder (to) kudēgedwa,
this ~ of river or valley) hirya
kudēgemwa, kujugumira,
(on the other ~ of river or valley)
guhīnda agashitsi, kuja mu gashitsi hākurya
(on the ~ of, beside) iruhānde
shuffle (to) guhindagurika
(to become right ~ up) kwūburuka
(to
lay thing on it's ~) guhēngeka
shut (to) gufunga (Sw.), gukīnga,
(to
lay
someone on his) gukīkira
gukīngiriza, kurumya, kwūgara
(to
lie
on
one's ~) gucurama
(doors of royal place) kujīsha
(to
put
to
one ~) guherereza
(entrance with branches)
(to
turn
right
~ up) gucurūra,
guhāngāza
kwūburura
(hands together) gufumbata
(one's eyes) guhumiriza
side-tracked (to not be) gutōta
(path) gutangīra
(to make another to ~ his eyes)
sideswipe kubīngūra
kwūnamika
sieve ipaswari
(up completely) guhindira
(to get close together) kwegerana
sifter (for chaff) agaseba
(to put things or people ~ together)
sigh guhēmūka, guhumēka, kuniha
kwegeranya
(with disgust or displeasure)
shut up kwūgara
guhigimānga
shuttering (architecture) imbaho
z'imihage
shyness isoni
sibling umuvukanyi
sight (come into) kurēnguka
(to pass out of) kurēngēra
(to recover) guhumūka
(to restore) guhumūra
(my ~ of the same sex)
mwēne wācu
(to be) kuvūkana
sign ikimenyamenya, ikimenyetso
sick (person) umurwāyi
(to someone) gukebura
(child) uruzingo
(to be) kurwāra, kuyōka
(to be often) kurwāragurika,
kubūnga
(i.e. indwara irambūngamwo)
(to assist ~ person in walking)
kwāndāza
(to make) kurwāza
(to be taken ~ suddenly,
supposedly from python looking at
one) gukāngwa
(to visit the ~) gusuhūza
(to take care of the ~) kurwāza
silence agacerere
(to make a) kugereraniriza
signal (to ~ to come) kwākura
(to ~) gucereza, kuzibiza, guhoza,
kuzibiranya
(by motion of the hand) kumama
(one's opponent by speaking the
truth) kujegeza
similarly kimwe
simmer (to ~) gutogotesha
simple (to be) kwōroha
simultaneous (to do two things at
once) kubāngikanya
sin (to ~) gucumura, kugabitānya,
gukora icāha
sin icāha, igicumuro, ikigabitānyo
since (cause, not time) ko, nuko
(now that, seeing that) ubwo
sing kurirīmba
(loudly) guhogora
(of troubles) gucurira intimba
(very nicely) guhibongoza
singe kubabura
singed (to be) kubabuka
singer umuhanzi
singing ururirimbo, indirīmbo
(dancing with ~) uruvyino
(pastoral ~, sung poetry) ibicuba
(sung legend) igitito
(post-drinking song) amayaya
(pastoral ~) umuvovoto
(sentimental evening ~) ikilito
(~ for the hunt) gukokeza
(to lead in ~) kuririmbisha
single (one) -mwe, umwe, rumwe
etc.
(one banana, head of grain, etc.)
umuhānyu
(single object) urudēnde
singular (gram.) rudēnde,
urudēnde
sink (to ~) kwībira, kurengerwa,
kuroka
(as in water) kudobera
silent (to be) gucereza, guhora,
kwihorera, kunuma
sink ubwogerezo bw'ivyombo
silk ihariri
sinker irindazi, igitumbura
(of corn) ubusage
sinner umunyavyāha
silver ifēza
sip gusōma
sickly (child) uruzīngo
similar (to be, but not exactly the
sickness indwāra
same) guhakwa
(severe) ikīza
similarity isāno
Sir Bwana (Sw.), umukama,
umushīngantāhe, nyene
(my, our) dātabuja
(your) shōbuja
205
(his, her, their) shēbuja
(of an art) umuhīnga
(to be) kugaba
skim (to) kuzīmba
slaughter (victim) imbāgwa
skimmed (milk) amatererwa
(to ~) kubāga
(to be slaughtered) kubāgwa
sister mwēne data, mwēne se,
skimmer icaruzo gitobaguye
slaughterhouse icuniro, ibāgiro
mwēne nyina
(older ~ of girl) mukuru,
mukurwanje
(of boy) mushiki
(younger ~ of girl) mutoyi,
murumuna
(of my father) māsenge
(of your father) nyogosenge
(of his, her, their father) inasenge
(of man's sister or woman's
brother) mwishwa
skin uruhu, urukoba, urusāto
slaughtering place ibāgiro
(for carrying baby) ingovyi
(worn by king or great chief)
inyambarabāmi
(scaly) ibikaragāshi
(to ~) kumyōra, gukungura
(to fall and ~ oneself)
gukungagura, gukunguka
(to remove ~ from drying)
kubāmbūra
(to stretch out to dry by pegging)
kubāmba
(to have something penetrate the)
gusesērwa
(crack in foot) ikivutu
slave umugurano
(slave trader) umuguranyi
slavery ubugurano
slay (to) kwīca, kwongeranya
sleep itiro
skinned (to be ~ by a blow)
kuramuka
(to be ~ by falling) gukunguka
(to sleep, to lie down and ~)
kuryama
(to fall asleep) gusinzīra
(to jump in one's ~, to walk in
one's ~) guhahamuka,
kurandamuka
(to nod in sleeping) gutūringiga
(to put to, cause to) gusinziriza
(sitting up) gutūringiga
(to talk in one's) kurāzirana
(to walk in one's) kurandamuka
skip (along) kunonera
sleepiness itiro
(over) kurēngānya
sleeping (effects of ~ badly) ibirare
(to find new building ~) kugerēra
skunk umusakanyika
six -tandatu
sky ikirēre, ijuru
slacken gutenzūra
sleepy (to be) guhunikira,
guhūnyiza
(to be so ~ one falls over and stays
there) gufurama
slander igitutsi
slice (to ~ vegetables) guhīmbura
(to ~) gucōkōra, gukera, gusiba,
gutuka
(a superior unintentionally, but he
believes it intentional) kurengwa
(to say a lot of slanderous talk)
kuvōvōta
(to ~ crosswise) kugegena
(to ~ lengthwise) gusatura
sister-in-law (my) muramukazanje
sit kwīcara
(to ~ fidgeting, or to go from place
to place to ~ because others speak
evil of you) kuyugayuga
(of kings or rulers) kuvyāgira
(together talking for a long time)
gutūrika
(to fix up nice place to ~) gusēzera
(place to ~) icīcaro, umusēzero
site (building) urugerēro, ikibanza
(times) gatandatu
sixty mirongwitandatu
size ijunja, ubunini
(to be the same) kuringanira
sketch igicapu, igicapo,
igishushānyo, ishusho, igishusho
(to ~) gushushānya
(to take, draw) gucapura
skill ubuhizi, ukumenyēra
skin eruption (to have) guturika
slanderer umucōkōranyi
slice ikimānyu, ikigegene, igisate,
igice
(of bread) ikibege
slide (to) kunyika, gusiduka,
gutemuka
(special) umwūga
slant (vi) guhirika, gukīka
slightly buhoro
skilled inkerebutsi
(vt) gukīkama, guhēngeka,
gukikamika
slap (to ~) gushikiza inshi,
slip kunyerera
(person) umuhānga, umuhīnga,
umuhizi, umugesera, umufūndi
(Sw.), umuntu w'inkuba
(very ~) buhoro-buhoro
skillful inkerebutsi
slap ikōfe
(to be) kubanguka, guhīngūra
(to be more than others) kuzīnga
(on the face) inshi
(down on spear, meat if it slips it's
supposedly diseased) gushōka
(out little by little, e.g. nail)
kwīdohōra
slate urubāho, igisate, ikigura
slipknot impururu
skillfulness ubugesera, ubuhizi,
kubīngūra
(pensil) idushi
slippers ibirato vyo munzu
ubuhīnga
slippery (to be) kunyerera
206
sliver akabāngo, igisata
(to remove) guhāndūra
slogan icīvugo
slope inkingu
(of hill) inkūka, akamanuko,
umurwa
(steep) agahanamo
sloping (to be) gutēmba
smelting place urugānda
snot ibiseru vyo mu zūru
smile akamwemwe
snow (hail) urubura
(to ~) kumwēnyura
(often) kumwenyagura
(manifest pleasure, but not
necessarily show teeth)
kumwemwamwemwa
smirch (to) gucobogoza
smith umucuzi
slowly buhoro
(to ~) gufūmba
(to ~ tobacco) kunywa itabi
(e.g. green wood) gufūrēka
(to go up in) gupfūnduka
slumber itiro
so rero
so many –ngaho
(to be) kungana
so-and-so naka, –ntūze
(to have ~ sides like soup dish)
gufukūra
(very ~) buhoro-buhoro
snuff gupfūhagira
smoke umwōtsi
soak (in water, be soaked by rain)
kujōbeka
(to put to ~, esp. grain) kwīnika
soaked (to be) kujōba
(by downpour of rain) kujōbeka
(in house) kuvīrwa
(to sleep, to lie down and ~)
kuryama
(to fall asleep) gusinzīra
(to jump in one's ~, to walk in
one's ~) guhahamuka,
kurandamuka
(to nod in sleeping) gutūringiga
(to put to, cause to) gusinziriza
(sitting up) gutūringiga
(to talk in one's) kurāzirana
(to walk in one's) kurandamuka
(to ~ out) gukana, gukuyēngeza
(to make) gukurūngira, gusena,
gupfunyūra
soccer (ball) umupira w'amaguru
slump (vi) guhenuka, guhomvoka,
smother kuniga, kunyoha
society (business) ikompanyi,
gusambūka, gusēnyuka, gusiduka,
gusituka
(vt) gusitura
smoulder (e.g. green wood)
isosiyete
(friends, visitors) abashitsi
smack ikōfe
(on the face) inshi
small –to, –toya, –tonya, –toto
(grow smaller) gutūba
(to make smaller) gutūvya
smallpox akarānda
smolder umwōtsi
(to ~) gufūmba
(to ~ tobacco) kunywa itabi
(e.g. green wood) gufūrēka
(to go up in) gupfūnduka
smooth (to be) kurēmba
gufūrēka
snake inzōka
(big) ikiyoka
snare akamashu, umutego, imero
snatch kunyakura
sneak (along) kubūndabūnda,
(as grain before grinding)
kuvūngurīsha
smell ububabwe, ubumote
sneeze kwāsamura
smash (to) gufyonyora
(to ~, vt) kwīnukiriza, kwūmva,
kwūmviriza, kwīmōtereza
(to smell bad, vi) kunūka
(to smell good, vi) kumōta
(smell spreading, smell filling the
air, vi) gutāmirana
(to put on nice smelling stuff)
kwōsa
soapy (water) amazi arimwo
isabuni
sob gusarara
(silently) gupfunagira
(game) umukino w'amaguru
sock ishesheti, isogisi
snail igifwera
kwīyombayomba
(in) kunyegētera
(out) kwīyonjorora
(out of an argument or obligation)
kwīdohōra
smart (in the mouth) gukera
soap isabuni
(to get in nose and cause to ~, as
pepper) gusagāra
snoop umutasi, inderetsi
(to ~) gutata
(to ~ on) gusūra
snore gufuha, kugōna
snort (to) gupfūhagira, gufūhagira
207
soft (anything very ~, lacking
stiffness) urudēndevu
(to be) kwōroha
(to be silky ~) kurēmba
(to get ~ in water) kubōmbōka
(to make soil ~) kwōrohereza
(and springy, e.g. earth in swamp)
kudemwademwa
soften (another's anger) gufyīta
(soil) kwōrohereza
(cloth) kworosha impuzu mu
kuyishira mu mazi
softly buhoro, buhoro-buhoro
(to go) kuyōmbōka
soil ivu, agataka
(with much clay in it) inōmbe
(to soften up) kwōrohereza
(to be worn out) gutītūka
sojourn (esp. in serach of place to
build) gusēmbēra
solace (to) guhoza
soothe (to) guhōyahōya
southwards ubumanuko
soldier ingabo, umusirigana,
umusoda, umusirikare, intōre
(ants) uburima
sorceress umurozi
sow (to) kubiba
sore igikomere
sower umubivyi
solution (to find the) guhīngūra
(little) akarōnda
(to be) gutonekara
(in one's muscles) kunywāguka
(to hit a ~ place) gutoneka
(to have running sores) kujējēta
solve (riddle) gupfīndūra,
sorghum ihūndo, amasāka,
solid (to be) gukomera, gutetera
solitude irungu
guhīngūra
somber (darkness) umwījima,
amahonda
(plant) umuyānge
(sprout) ikirōnge
(stalk) igishakashaka
(to prepare ground for) guhānda
umwīza
(after dark) bwateranye
(to be) kwīrabura, gucūra umwiza
(to become) kwīra
(to become in daytime, fog, etc.)
kwūbikiza
(to come from ~ into light)
kwāndagara
agahīnda, ishavu, intūntu, intimba
(words that remains in heart
causing sorrow) isata burēnge
some -mwe
sorrowful (to be) gushangashirwa
(with plural prefix) e.g. bamwebamwe, or bamwe
sorghum beer impeke, indimwa
sorrow umubabaro, akabōnge,
sorry mpore! mpole!
some time umwānya uwari wo
sort (good grain from bad)
wose, uwariwo wose, igihe ico ari
co cose, icarico cose
gucacūra
(out) gusobanura, kuvāngūra
somebody umuntu kanaka
someone umuntu kanaka
something ikintu
(~ that stinks) agacūku
sometimes rimwe na rimwe,
rimwe-rimwe, hamwe-hamwe
somewhere else ahandi
son umuhūngu
(of) mwene
song indirīmbo, ururirimbo
(~ for two alternating choirs)
ikimpwiri
(milling ~) indengo
(war songs) amazina y'ubuhizi,
amazina y'urugamba
(sing or play plaintive) gucurira
intimba
see also singing
soon vuba
soot umusēngesēnge, umuvyiro
soy isoya, isoja
space umwānya, ikibānza
(open) agahīnga
(to take up) gutabarara
(a small space) akanya
spacious -gari
(to be) kwāguka, gutabarara
spade igipawa, iposhoro
span (measure by hand) itāmbwe
spare parts (cloths) igitambara
baremuza yatabutse
spark isase, umusēngesēnge
sparrow (smallsome blue, some
red) ifundi
spasm (to have) gusāmba
spatula indosho, icaruzo,
ikimamiro
speak (speaking evil of another
with whom you work) ikēba
(one who speaks with senseless
repititions of words) ikirogorogo
soul mate umugēnzi
(all speaking together)
(close ~) umukūnzi
(intimate ~, the one you share your imvugarimwe
(to ~) kuvuga
last hidden food with) somambike
(most intimate ~, ”you die - I die”) (against) guhāririza
(carelessly) gufudika
pfampfe
(clearly) gufobōra, gutobekeranya
(to visit a ~) kubūngirana
(distinctly) gutobora
sound (whirring, wind blowing
(distinctly, not having been able to
through things, or stick whipped
before) gutumbūra
through air) umuvuguvugu
(evil of one another) gucurikanya
(well) kwūmvīkana
(evil of) gukana, kunegura
(to make a bubbling ~) gusāma
(evil of the king) kurogota
(evil of a ruler) kuyoba
soup isupu
(fearlessly) kwūbahuka
sour (milk, taste) urubu
(foolishly) kudebagura
(to ~, milk) kuvura
(hatefully) gucobogoza
(hesitantlyusually used in
(to be ~) kubīha, kurura
negative) guhengēshanya
sour milk urubu
(in a mysterious language)
gufobeka
source umugezi, isōko, imbizi
(incoherently) kuvōvōta
(thermal ~) amashūha
(in someone's favor) gutēturura
south ikūsi (Sw.), ubumanuko
(lightly) kujajura
soul roho, ubugīngo
208
(loudly) kurangurura,
kurandamuka
(many words, usually quite
meaningless ones) guhogōmboka
(sarcastically) kurtyekeza
(the truth) guhinyuza
(thoughtlessly) kurandamuka
(unwisely or rudely) kurofokwa
(very beseechingly) kubobōteza
(when one shouldn't) kuyogora
(where others hear voices but do
not understand) guhwirima
(without arriving at point)
kurerembuza
(to cause to) kuvuza
(to leave off speaking evil and
speak kindly) kwigarura
(to prevent from speaking)
guhwāmika
(give gift to bride so she will ~)
guhorōra
(refuse to speak till given gift, as
bride does) guhorōrwa
(to leave one ~, astound) kujoreza
(to render) kwūmiza
(splashing of water on rocks in
river) igisebuzi
speed ingoga
splint udusenge
spell amarozi
split (vi) kurara
(all night without sleeping)
gukēsha
(the night) kurāra
(the night alone) kwīrāza
(time) kumara
(time together) kumarana
(vt) gutānya
(in two) kwīmānya
(open, as over-ripe beans)
gusaragurika
(up) kwōmānza
(wood) gusatura
(to be split open as flesh when
wounded) kugāguka
sperm intanga
spoil (to ~, vi) kubora, kwōnōna
spice akamoteshandya,
spider igitangurirwa
(vt) kuboza
(of foods) kugāsha
(another's reputation) kwāmbika
ibara
spill (vi) gusēseka, gusēsa
spoiled (to be) kwōnōnekara
(vt) gucuncubura
(anything not liquid) gusanzāra
(over) gusēsekara
spoiler umwōnōnyi
spend (all day) kwīrirwa
uturyohozandya tubaba
spilled (to be) kuvīra
spoils (sense of plunder) isahu,
iminyago, urunyago
spinal column urutirigōngo,
spokesman imvuzi, umuvuzi
uruti rw'umugōngo, agatirigōngo
spoon ikiyīko
spine uruti rw'umugongo
(large wooden ~) umucumbisho
species (species) ubwōko
spirit (alcoholic) rutuku, umuraha
sports bag ishakoshi
(what kind?) –ki?
(what kind of) ki?
(med) arukoro, ubwayi
(small) agashakoshi
spirit igihūme, impwēmu,
sports field urukino
umuzimu
(Holy Spirit) Mpwemu Mweranda,
Mpwemu Yera
(nature spirit) imbāndwa
(of person) umushaha
(to chase away or drive out evil ~)
gusēnda
(to offer to ~) guterekēra
(~ worship) ubuzimuzimu
spot ibara, indome, irabagu,
ikirabagu, agasembwa
(in sense of dirt) icēyi
(opposite door of house)
umukōndo
spear icumu
(stuck in person) urubāngo
(spears on big reeds and grasses)
umusokoro
(to fall on ~ and be injured)
gushōka
spectacles ivyīrori, ibirorero, irori
spectacular bitangāje (from
gutangāza)
specter icījīji
speech imvugo
(defect, esp. for s, ch, c) ubureve,
e.g. kuvuga ubureve
(to be freed from ~ impediment)
spit amate, igikororwa
kugobōdoka
(spurted from between teeth as
(to have ~ impediment) kugobwa
indication of scorn) inyeri
(to try to give ~ but feel restrained)
(to ~) gucīra amate
guhaga amatama
(to ~ on) kuvuma amate
(~ up milk, baby) kubōga
speechless (to be, in defeat,
(~ up phlegm) kuruka
surprise, misfortune) kwūmirwa
(to be with shame or fear)
spittle amate, igikororwa
gutētērwa
(to be with surprise or defeat)
splash kumījīra
kujorerwa, kujumarara
(and tumble, water in river)
gusūriranya
209
spots (girls put on clothing to help
them get a husband) indome
(to put spots on something)
kudoma
spouse umugabo, umugēnzi
umucance (lit. one who broke the
hymen)
(to lose one's ~ by death)
gupfākara
sprain guhānyuka, guhinyagara
(slightly) gukāshuka
spray (water) kumījīra amazi
spread (abroad, vt) kwāndagaza,
kwāngāza, gukwīza, gukwīragiza
(vi) kwāmāmara, gukwīra,
guhetūra, gukwīragira
(grass) gusasa
(legs apart) guhānyuka
(out) gupānga
(out great branches) kugasāra
(out on something) gusanza
(thing spread out flat) ikiramvu
spring (about June, early summer)
impēshi
spring umugezi, isōko, imbizi
(thermal ~) amashūha
springy (and soft, to be as earth in
swamp) kudemwademwa
squash umwūngu, igikunga
stamp (article used to ~ spot)
ikidomēsho
(to ~) kudoma
(on) guhonyanga, guhonyagura,
gusiribānga
(to ~ one's feet, trample)
gukāndagira
(leaves) umusoma
(seed, plant) uruyūzi
stand guhagarara
(to stop ~ and make them like each
other) kwūnga
square ikwadarato
squash (to) gufyonyoka
squeak (as rat) kujwigira
squeeze gukānya
(juice from bananas) kugana,
kuvuguta
(juice to last drop) gukanyūra
(out seed of fruit) gufyura
squelch gutururuza
squint guhwīnyiriza, guhunyereza
(vi) kumījira
squirt (to) kunega
(vt) gucūcagira, kumīja, kumījagira
(as with powder, salt) kumemēra
stack (to ~ together) gukumakuma
('medicine' around house to
(to ~ up) kurūnda, kurūndarūnda
protect it from evil) gutota
stack ikirūndo
sprinkling ukuvōmera
(of grain) amarwi
(of grain and chaff mixed)
sprout umugera, ingūndu,
ubukūmbi
umunago
(of rocks) igihongo
(bean) umugōndōra
(of wood) akarwi
(sorghum) ikirōnge
sprinkle gusukira, kuvōmera
(to ~) kumera
(to ~, millet) gusēsa
(after cutting) kunaga
staff abakozi
stagger (around) kujūjūta,
kugoyagoya
spur (chicken) igikohwa
stain irabagu, ikirabagu
spurt out (to) kunega
staircase ingazi
spurting (of blood) umupfūnda
spurts (to grow rapidly in)
kuvugumuka
sputum igikororgwa
(to spit up) kuruka
spy umutasi, inderetsi
(to ~) gutata
(to ~ on) gusūra
squabble intonganya, imitongano,
amahāne
(to ~) gutongana, gutonganya,
kurandagurana, guhārīra, guhāzāna
(to be always looking for)
kwītōraguza
(to start a) kwāndurutsa
(erect) kwēma, kwemarara
(erect for a long time) gushibama
(in a certain place) kubisiriza
(in another's light) gukīnga
(in line) gutōnda
(on tiptoe) gushīnga amano,
gusumburuka
(on tiptoe to get something)
gusumburukwa
(up) guhaguruka, kuva hasi
(to have one ~ up) guhagarika,
guhagurutsa
standstill uguhagarara
star urunyenyēri, inyenyēri
(morning star) agaturuturu
starch ibifufu vyo mu mfungurwa
stare (at) gufyura amāso, guhānga
amāso, gukanaguza
(at one another) guhangana
(at without seeing) guturumbura,
gutumbagura
(to get left behind as you ~ at
something) kurāngāra
staring (in evil manner) umufyure
start kwānzika, gutangura
(by) kubānza
(early in the morning) kuzinduka
stairs ingazi
(fire) gucāna
stairway ingazi
(job before finishing the previous
one) kubāngikanya
stake (out goat in pasture) kuzirika
(the day) kuramuka
(drive ~) gushīnga
(something) gutangīza
(to come out, ~) gushingūka
(up from ground, e.g.g locusts)
(to pull out ~) gushingūra
guharara
(up in one's sleep) kurandamuka
stalk (of bananas) igitoki
(of sorghum) igishakshaka
starter (entrēe) imfungurwa ntanga
(to fall from) guhūnguka
kayabagu
(to pluck from) kumyōza
(hors d'oeuvre) imfungurwa
nyitangizo
stamen (of flower) umwēza
stammer kugigimiza
210
startled (to be) guhababuka,
kuranduka umutima
(out of sleep) kugangabuka
(to give a ~ cry) gutūra ubuku
(on) guhonyora
(take little steps) kunyonyera
starvation isari
sterile (to be) kugūmbaha, guhona
starve (to) kwicwa n'inzara
state (government) leta
(condition) ukumererwa
station istasiyoni
status (state, shape) ukumererwa,
sting (of bee) urubōyi, umugera
(to ~ or bite, insect) gusurira
(sharpness of beer, etc.) ubukare
(to make) gukona, gushāhura
stink kunūka
sterility (female, human or animal)
ingūmba, igūmba, ubugūmba
stir gucucuma, kuvānga,
stern (of boat) umukōndo
stethoscope icuma gipima itera
kuvāngavānga, kuvurūnga
(around) gucambagirana
(in one's sleep) guhahamuka
(porridge) gushigisha
(up trouble) kugūmūka
ubumere
(good discursive ~) ijāmbo
(good physical ~) ijūnja
ry'umutima, icuma gipima
indihaguzi
stitch umubariro wo ku ruhande
steward umujēnāma, umujanāma
(to ~ up) gusubira, kubarīra
stay kuguma
stewed fruit ivyāmwa bitekanye
stock ibishinguwe, ibibitswe
(at king's court) gusasa
(away frequently from home)
guhīmbira
(for a time) gusībira
(in one place permanently)
guhama, gutsīndāza
(to cause to) kugumya
(to not ~ at home) guhugūmba
(to not ~ in place) kujuragira,
gucambagirana
(one who does not ~ home)
igihūmbu
isukari
stockpile (beans, etc. for year)
guhitiza
(to ~ harvest) kwīmbura
steal (to) kwība, kwāmbura,
kunyaga, gusahura, kwīha
(from each other) kwībana
(habitually) guhīmbira
(to be caught stealing) gusūmirwa
stealing ubwīvyi
stealthily (to go) kwīyomba-
yomba, kuyombayomba
(to walk) gukacakaca, kwōmboka
stick (to ~ out, as garment with
something under it) kudundūra
(to stick) guhoma, guhomesha
uburembo
(~ together, vi) gufatana, kumata,
kwōmeka, kumatana
(vt) gufatanya, guhoma, kumatanya
(~ up for another) gukīmbūka
(put ~ in ground) gushīnga
stick igiti
(for beating drum) umurisho,
umukembe
(large, stuck in ground) inkīngi,
igikīngi
(short, club) ingāge
(stuck in person) urubāngo
(thrown to kill bird etc.)
injugujugu
(walking) inkoni
(with nail in end) umuhūnda
stocks (for prisoner) impatane
stoical (to be) kwīyumānganya
stoke (fire) kubeba, guhuha,
kwenyegeza, kuvuguta
stolid ubutēkānyi
(to ~) guhorereza, guhoza,
guhwāmika
(to be) kwītōnda
(to become) guhora, guhūmura
stomach inda, umushīshīto
(big, fat) ikizeze
stomach pain (to have) kurībwa
mu inda
stone ibuye
steep (place) agatēmbwe
food) gutetera
(big) igitāndara, urutāndara
(grinding) urusyo
(rolling) urunāna
(sharpening) irtyāzo
(small, round) akabuyēnge
(three, placed for fireplace) izīko
steeple agashūngēre
stiff neck urukebu
stool amavyi
stem umutūmba
stifle (to) kubuza, gutururuza
steam umuhīsha, umwūka
steel icuma kitagwa ingese
(of word) itsina
step intambuko
(measure by steps) itāmbwe
(place where steps are cut in
hillside) ubukiru
(to ~) gutambuka
(aside to make light) gukīngūra,
gukīnguruka
sticking plaster isuparadra (Fr.)
sticking together akaramata
stiff (to be from drying up, clothes,
stifle kuniga, kunyoha
still (to remain) kwīyorosha
stillness agahwēkēre
stimulate gukarisha
211
(human excrement) umusarani
stool intebe
stoop gutumbūra
(down) kujōndamika, kwūbama
(over) kwūnama
(to go along stooped over)
kubūndabūnda
(to make another ~) kwūnamika
stoop-shouldered amabega,
straight (to be) kugororoka,
ubukoyo (term of scorn)
kudadarara
(to be very) gutūngāna
(to make) kugorōra, kurorānya
(to make ~ for) gutūmbereza
(to stand up ~) guhagarara
stooped (to be) guhetama
stop (vi) guhagarara, kureka,
gusigaho
(vt) guhagarika, gutururuza,
kubuza
(diarrhea) gufutīsha
(quarrel and make like each other)
kwūnga
(~ talking abruptly though others
continue) kwōnjorora
(a thing because someone has
repeatedly warned and advised)
gukōndōka
(up) kuzibiza
(working) kugodoka
stoppage uguhagarara
stopper igipfūndikizo,
straight-forward (to be) gutobora
straighten up (vt) gukirānura,
kugorōra
strike kubomboranya, gukoma,
gukubita, kudoda
(against in order to knock down)
gusita
(down and almost kill) kurabika
(one against the other, knees)
gukomānya
(oneself) kwīkubita
(oneself in amazement)
kwīshishītira
(sore place) gutomeka
(together) kubomborana
(thunder, lightning) guhūndagaza
(prepare oneself to, grasp in
preparation to) kubangura
(to raise one's arm to) kubangurira
stranger umunyamahānga,
umunyankīko
(from across border) injabuka
strangle kuniga
storage (place for grain) ikigega
strawberry inkēri, inkēre
store (beans, etc. for year) guhitiza
(to ~ harvest) kwīmbura
streak (caused by water, sweat)
umukororōmvyi
store (shop, boutique) ibutike,
stream icōgo, urūzi
imangazine, iduka
(storehouse) ikigega
(current of) umukuba
(middle of) umutānga, idāmba
(tiny) umugēnde, imbizi
(winding) ikigobe
future use) integakiba
(to be for several years)
guhitikirana, guhitirana
street umuhanda, irāngo,
storekeeper umunyabutike
strength imbaraga, inkomezi,
(in sense of riddle) igisōkōzanyo
(fairy) igitiko
(news) inkuru
(sung legend) igitito
stove ifuro, izīko, amashiga
y'ikizungu
(portable) iresho
stow (beans, etc. for year) guhitiza
(to ~ harvest) kwīmbura
stricken (to be) gukomereka,
strange (thing) ikija
straw ubwātsi
story (in sense of fable) umugani
(woven) igitēbo
(to carry corpse) ikigagara
stride (over) gutambuka
stopping place uburuhūkiro
(wind) inkūrūma
(noise of approaching) umugigimo
(thunderstorm) ikivura
stretcher inderuzo, iburankara
guhānyuka
(water) kumimina
strategy imigabo
storm (wind and rain) inkūbi
stretched out (to be) kubondōka,
kwāguka
gusesērwa
strain (muscle) gukāshuka,
umupfūndikizo, umufundikizo
stored (something put away for
(out skin to dry by pegging)
kubāmba
amayirabiri, inzira
ubukomezi
(muscular) intege
(physical) amagara
(my ~ has left me)
amagara yandyarutse
(to regain) guhembūka
strengthen kwīrūza, kuremēsha
stretch (vi) kwāguka, kweguka
(vt) kwāgura
(oneself) kwīgorōra
(oneself out on ground)
kurambarara
(a bow) gufōra
(out, vi) kwirāmvura
(out, as skin for drum) gukana
(out arm) kurāmvura
212
strife intāmbara
string umugozi, akagozi
(of bow) uruvuto
strip (leaves from tree or stick)
gukōkōra
(one of his clothing) gukoba,
gukākagura
(cloth) igitabu c'impuzu
(paper) umuzingo
stripe (from beating) umumyōre
(mark of a blow) umuramu
strive gukobeza, gushīshikara,
guharanira
(~ after) gukovya
(~ and crowd together)
kuvurungana
stroke (to) gukuyakuya
stroll (about as if one had nothing
else to do) kubagabaga
(to ~ about when one should be
working) kuraramanga
strong (person) umunyenkomezi
(to be with surprise or defeat)
kujorerwa, kujumarara
(to leave one ~, astound) kujoreza
(to render) kwūmiza
sucker (on plant) ingūndu,
stunning bitangāje (from
sudden (happening) igiturūmbuka
gutangāza)
suddenly giturūmbuka
stunted (plant) ikirūmbirane
stupid (to be) kujūjūta
(as death or accident) bukumbi
(to come) guturūmbuka
(to happen) kwūbira
guhūndagara
stutter kugigimiza
suffer kubabara, gucumukura
struggle (to stir) gucambagirana
stylist umuderi
(something which appears to be ~,
but is weak) igihōmbe
(to be) guhāngama, gukomera,
kurema, kurama, kunōnōka
(to be very) gutetera, gushikama
(to make) gukomeza
(to make very) gushikama
(to remain) gushikama
struck (to be, by lightning)
(to have a hard life) kunamba
strut (about in fine clothes)
kunibaniba
stub (one's toe) gutsītāra
(cause to) gutsītāza
stubborn (person) intākonywa,
intābwīrwa
(to be) kugimīra
umuvyāro
suckle (to) kwōnsa
subdue (to overcome a revolt)
kugandūra, kugomora, kugomoza
(because of certain thing) kuzira
(much) gusinzikara
(pain without complaint)
kwīyumānganya
(to cause to) kubabaza,
gusinzikaza
subject (to be ~ to) gukukira
suffering umubabaro, ibara
subjugate kugandūra
suffice (to) gukwīra
subjunctive (gram.) kagabwa
sufficient (to be, for) kubūmba,
sub-chief umutwāre
submerge (vt) kwībiza, kurotsa
stuck (in mud) gushāya
gukwīra
suffocate kuniga, kunyoha
(to get) guhamāngira
submission (to bring into ~ to)
student umwigishwa
kugomora
(to seek help to bring into ~ to)
kugomorera
sugar isukari
submissive (to be) kugandūka,
sugar cane umusigati, umusumba
(for eating), igikaju (plant)
studio (atelier) uruganda
study kwīga
stuff (to ~ a mattress)
kugira umudo, gukora umudo
stumble (that which causes to)
igitsītāza
(to ~) gutsītāra, kudāguza
(to cause to) gutsītāza
(over words) gufudika
kugōnda izosi, gukenguruka,
kugororokera
suggestion ināma
subscribe (to) kwīyandikīsha
suicide (to commit) kwīgaragura,
substantiate (enforce what one has
kwīyahura, kwīyica
said, to drive it home)
kuryōherereza
suit (to) gukwira
substitute (one who takes place of
stun (to) kujegeza, kujorera,
guilty man) impongano
(for another) kwākīra
gutangāza
(to be taken by) gufata mpiri
(to jump in) guhababuka,
kuzanzamuka
subtract gukūra
stung (to jump when) gushikurwa
(in persuading someone to leave
his evil ways) gukōndōra
stunned (to be) kujorerwa,
gufata mpiri, kugwa mu gahundwe
such (to be ~ that) kumera
succeed (to) gutsīnda, gushobora
suck (esp. juice out of fruit)
misfortune) kwūmirwa
(to be with shame or fear)
gutētērwa
suggest guhubūra
submit (to) gutānga
stump igishitsi
stunned (to be, in defeat, surprise,
sugar bowl agashingurasukari
kunūnuza
(to eat by sucking only, as candy)
kuyongobeza, kuyungubiza
213
suitable (to be) kubēra
suitcase ivarise (Fr.)
sulphur amazuku
summer ici
sun izūba
(red sun when very low at night)
igihendabaja
(to rise) kurasa
(to set) kurēnga
(to bring things in from) kwānura
(to put out in) kwānikira
sunburn ukubaburwa n'izuba
Sunday icūmwēru, umusi w'Imāna,
sunshine (ray of) ikibēngebēnge
its kind) akaminūza, akarēnzo
(to ~) kurēnga, kurusha,
kurushiriza, kuruta, gusūmba
(all others, good or bad)
guhebūza, kunengesēra
(to try to ~) guhiga
sunstroke ukurabikwa n'izuba
surplus umusesekara, igisāga
(give oath) kurahīra
(at) gutuka
superhuman (thing) igihūme
surprise (to) kujegeza, kujorera,
sweat icūya, urwūya
gutangāza
(to be taken by) gufata mpiri
(to jump in) guhababuka,
kuzanzamuka
sweater umupira (Sw.)
surprised (to be) kujorerwa,
kwēyēra,
(away, as rain water) gusūriranya
kuw'Imāna, kuwa Mungu (Sw.),
kw'iyīnga
sundown (toward) umuhīngamo
superintendent umushikirwa,
umuntu ahishirigwa
supernumerary (digit, or teat of
cow) indorerezi
superstition (observing certain
gufata mpiri, kugwa mu gahundwe
days) kuziririza
(pagan ~) ubuzimuzimu
surrender (a possession) kwegura
supervisor umuntu ahishirigwa
supplied) gukenuka
gukīkuza, gusagaza, gusugereza,
kuzīngūka, kuzūnguriza, kuziguza
(esp. country) guhererana
(animal or person hunted)
kuzigiriza
(with a wall) kuzitira
(wrap around) gukenyeza
supplying (of need) ubukenuke
surrounding ibidukikije
support ishimikiro
surrounding wall uruzitiro
supple (to be) kunōnōka
supplementary inyongera
supply (to have one's needs
surround kujiguza, gukīkiza,
(to ~) gushigikiza, gufasha
suppose gukēka, kuziga, kwībwīra
survive (get well, be saved)
kurokoka, kurokoza
(left alive after plague) kwōkōka
swap (to) kugurāna, gukāba
swarm (bees, etc.) amarwi
(to ~) kujagata
swear kwīsiba
(to ~) kubira icuya
sweep gukubūra, kwēnzūra,
sweet (to be tasting sweet) gusosa
sweet potato ikijūmbu, ikijūmpu
(vines) imibuto, imivyūka
sweetheart umukūnzi
swell kuvyīmba, kubōmboka,
gutumba
(as beans) gukakama
(as beans, bread) gututūmba
(bread) gukuka
(esp. dead animal, also beans)
gutumbagana
(in welts) kuramura
swelling ubuvyimbe
kibuno
suspect (to) gukeka
(med.) ubutumbi
(to reduce, vi) kuvyīmbūka
(vt) kuvyīmbūra
suppress (to) kubuza, gutururuza
suspend gutarika
swim (to) kwōga
(to hang) kumanika
swimming (to) kwōga
suspended (to be, in air) kwenēna
swindle (to) kuzīmba
kabisa (Sw.)
suspicion ugukēka
swing kwenēna
surety (co-signer for note)
umwīshīnzi
sustain (to) gukomeza
switch (~ off flies) kwīyama isazi
swab (to ~) gukoropa
swollen (to be ~) gutumbagana
gushakisha (Rw.)
swaddle (a newborn) kubīkīra
swoop kugwagura
surface ubusumbasumbane
swagger (to) kwīgamba
sword inkōta
surgeon umuganga abaga abantu
Swahili (language) igiswahiri
(edge of) ubūgi
surgery ubuhinga bwo kubaga
swallow kumira, gutamira
sworn statement indahiro
abantu
(gluttonously) kumiragura
(to give too much to ~ at one time)
kuramagiza
syllable urudadi
suppository ikinini bacisha mu
supreme (something ~) agaheta
surely de, dede, me, pē, rwose,
surf (to ~ the internet) kurondera,
surpass (one who surpasses all
others) agahebūza, agakūra
(thing that surpasses everything of
swamp urufūnzo, umurago, ikidigi
214
(to take an) kurahīra
(to go back on) kurahurūra
(to reverse in a word, transpose)
gufudika
(case to chief or court) kubūranya
(case to chief, knowing one is
sympathize (to) kubabarira
right) gutara
(child in arms) kurera, gukīkira
sympathy igikūndiro, ubukūnzi,
(council together) guhūza ināma
urukundo
(cows uphill) kurārūra
symptom ikimenyetso
(down) kumanura
(down tent) gupāngūra
synagogue isinagogi
(everything for oneself)
kwīgūngirako
synchronization uguhūza
(far away) kwāmbukana
synchronize (to ~) guhūza
(firm hold of) kubāngiriza
(from another) kwākīra
syphilis agashāngāra
(from pocket or other concealed
place) kugoborora
(here, take this) enda
(hold of) gufata
(hold of person) gusūmira,
gushorerakw amaboko
table ameza (Sw.)
(bedside) akameza ko mu buryamo (home) gutāhāna
(home object or cows after being
(for milk containers) uruhīmbi
away long time) kugishūra
(to set the ~) gupānga ameza
(in one's arms) kugūmbīra,
tablecloth igitambara co ku meza
gukīkira
(mouthful) gutamira
tablet (medicine) ikinini
(oath) kurahīra
(off clothes) kwīyambura
tableware ibikoresho vyo ku meza
(off lid of basket) kurumūra
taboo ikizira
(out) gusokōra
(to be) kuzira
(out of) gukūra, gusokorora,
(to break) kurēngwa, kuzirūra,
kugobōtora
kugōka
(out of hole in ground what one
(to observe) kuziririza
has put there) kuzīkuruka
(to remove) kuzirūra
(outside) gusohora
(picture) gucapura (Sw.)
tadpole ikinyamurobo
(place of another) kwākīra
(quickly) gutebūkana
tail umurīzo
(to cut off tail of animal) gukēmūra (someone aside) kwīkebana
(someone to chief for trial or
(to wag ~) kuzungagiza
accusation) gushengeza
take gufata, gucakīra, guhitana
(something out to an appointed
(another's place in watching)
place) gusokorora
kubangūra
(to put away) kwāndūra
(apart what has been stuck
(to someone) gushīra
together) kumatūra
(to someone where he is) gusānza
(authority on oneself) kurēngera
(turns) kwākīrana, kwākīranwa,
(away) gukūra, gushingūra,
kuja imbu, gukūranwa
gutwāra
(up space) gutabarara
(away from) kwāka, kunyaga
(walk) kugēndagēnda
(away completely) gukōmbōra,
(wife) kwābīra
gutōngōra
(wife, without marrying her
(away with) kuvāna
properly) gucīkiza
(by force) kunyaga
(with) kujāna
(care of) kubungabunga,
take place (to) gushika
kwītwaririka
(what happened?) habāye iki?
(care of, very good) kubukabuka
symbol ikimenyamenya
T
215
(to cause to) gucimbataza
(unexpectedly, suddenly) kwūbīra
taken (to be, by surprise) gufata
mpiri
taken by surprise (to be)
kujorerwa, gufata mpiri,
kugwa mu gahundwe
takings (money) icinjiye
tale umugani
(to tell ~s) gutika
talk kuyāga, gusakuza, kugānīra
(foolishly, or act) gusaragurika
(give discourse) kugamba
(in one's sleep) kurāzirana
(lightly) kujajura
(loudly) guhogora
(a lot) kuregeteza
(nonsense when drunk) kuvōvōta
(over) gutegēranya
(slanderously) kuvōvōta
(together in whispers)
kunwengurana, kwītōnganya
(to oneself) kwītonganya
(unkindly to each other)
kurandagurana
(when one shouldn't) kuyogora
(with someone to try to persuade
her to elope) gucīkiza
(to sit together talking for a long
time) gutūrika
(one who talks a lot, esp. tells
others what to do) ingāre
talkative (to be) kugira amazīnda,
kurimbūra
talking (to stop abruptly though
others continue) kwōnjorora
(to sit together ~ for long time)
gutūrika
tall –rē-re, muremure etc.
(or big thing, esp. person) ingāma
(e.g. umuntu w'ingama)
(and fat) ikigwīnyīra
taller (to be ~ than) gusūmba
tame kugandūra, kugūnda,
kumenyēreza
tan (hides) guhara, guhaza
(color) umuyēnzi
(goats' hair) umufumbēre
tangerine mandarine
tea icāyi, akāyi
tank (water ~) itangi
tanner umuhazi
(herb ~) imisabiko
(~-kettle) imbirika
(~pot) ibirika y'icāyi
tap (to) kudoda
teach kwīgīsha
tap robine
tape measure imetero y'impuzu
tapeworm igikāngaga
tapping inkomānzi
tar ikaburimbo
television imboneshakure
teachable (to be) gukūrwaka
ijambo
teacher umwīgīsha, umwārimu
(Sw.)
(professor) umuprofeseri,
umwīgīsha wa kaminuza
(comment of ~) ugushīma
kw'umwīgīsha
tardy (to be) guteba, gukērērwa,
gutebagana
teaching indēro, imyīgīshe,
inyīgīsho
target urwēgo
team umurwi
tarmac ikaburimbo
tear (vi) gucīka, kumānyuruka,
tarnish (to) gucobogoza
task igikorwa, akazi, umurimo
(assigned) ibāngo
(to begin ~) kwāhuka
(to be one's) kwegukirae.g.
negukiye kwigisha
(to cause to work at several ~ at
once) kujuragiza
tassel (long) imihivu
taste (to ~) kwūmva, kwūmviriza
(to ~ good) gusōsa, kuryōha
(to ~ to prove that it's safe for
others) kurogōra
gutabuka, gutantamuka
(vt) gutabura, gutantamura
(along, water, rain) gusūriranya
(away) gushikura
(big hole, vi) kumānyuka
(big rip, vi) kumwanyuruka
(clothes, vt) gukākagura
(clothes in anger) gukākura,
kumwāga
(down) guhenura, guhomvora,
guhonyora, gusambūra,
gusangangura
(down nest) kwāruza
(in pieces) gutabagura
taste icānga, akanovera
(good) ubusōse
tease kudāyāngwa, gufyina,
tasting (good) gusosa
gufyinata, gupfyina, kujandajanda,
gusōtōra
tattle (in order to advance oneself)
teaser akagūma
gusebana, kuregetereza,
kuregeteranya
teeth amēnyo (see also tooth)
(to collect) gutōreza
(tax official, tax collector)
umutozakori
(to pay taxes) gutanga ikōri
tax collector umutōza,
umutōzakōri
(to appoint) gutoza
taxi tagisi
things, tells them where to go to
find something good) umurānzi
(one who refuses to do as told)
intābarirwa
(to ~) kubara, kubarira, kubwīra,
gukerutsa, kurānga
(all about something) kujōja
(certainly) kujījūra
(dream) kurōtōra
(events) kudōnda
(fairy tales, stories passed down
from long ago) gutika, kugana
(how one's affaires are going)
kwīrāta
(make one ~ truth) kurahuruza
(publicly) kwerura
(someone that his friend has died)
guhebūza
(something in a kind, easy way)
kubembetereza
(to, divulge secret) gukerukiriza
(to others what you've heard)
kwīgānīra
(what one has done) kwīyagiriza
(what one has heard while eavesdropping) gutumbūra
(whole truth without hiding a
thing) kwātagura
temper (put temper in metal)
kuramura
temper ibicunduguta
(bad ~) umujinya
tears amōsozi
tax ikōri, ibirāre
tell (one who tells others of good
(grinding of) insya z'amēnyo
(very close together) impatane
(to brush the) kwīnyugunura,
kwīyugunyura
(to get the first) kwēra
(to grit) gukomānya, kuzyēgenya
(to grit one's ~ to avoid showing
pain) gushinyanga, gushinyiriza
(to notch) guhongora
(to pull) guhongora
telephone terefone, telefone
taxicab tagisi
216
temperament (gram.) umuvugire
(temper) ibicunduguta, imico
tempered (to be) kuvugutirwa
temple (of head) umusaya,
imvuridahita
temporary (house) urusāgo, igikāri
tempt kugerageza, kugeza, kwōsha
(one into something then leave
him) gusuka
temptation igeragezwa, inyōsha,
amōsha
tempter umugeragezi, umurwānizi
ten icumi, cumi
(~ times) icumi
(things over and above ten) igisaga
tenacity (to not quit without
that's right n'ūko
accomplishing certain thing)
gushirwa
thatch (roof) ubwatsi bwo
tendon umutsi, umurya
gusakara, ivyatsi vyo gusakara
theft ubwāmbuzi, ubwība, ubwīvyi,
tent ihema (Sw.)
ubusahuzi
(to pitch) gupānga
(to take down) gupāngūra
their –ābo
term (school ~) igihembwe
then buno, maze, rero, kuramuka
(e.g. aramutse agenda – and then
he went)
(and ~) kāndi
(and ~ afterwards) hanyuma
terminate (conversation)
there ngaho, aho
kwīkebanura
(~ is, ~ are) hari
(down there) hēpfo
(over there, fairly near) harya
(up there) haruguru
(way over there) harīya
tenter inderuzo, iburankara
(woven) igitēbo
(to carry corpse) ikigagara
terrified (to be) gucīka ivutu
terrine umubehe, urwavya
terror ivutu
test (to test, to try) kugeza
therefore maze, nuko
(to ~ oneself) kwīpima
(exam) ikibazo
therewith bitayeko, uteko,
ikigeretseko, ubwo, nubwo
testament isezerano
thermal source amashūha
testicle ivya
thermometer igipimo c'ubushuhe
testify (to ~) gushīnga intahe,
thermostat akuma kagumya
guhamya, kwāgiriza
(fearlessly in behalf of another)
kwemānga
ubushuhe
testimony ubuhamya
text igisōmwa, ubutumwa,
thin -to, -tō-to, -toya, -tonya
(person who gets ~ gradually)
umunywera
(to be, from hunger, bones show)
kugōberwa
(to become) kudohōka, kugeruka,
kunohoka, kwōnda, kuyōka,
kwīfūtānya
(to become from work or worry)
kunohorwa, kugōgōra
(to get very) kugōgōra
(to ~ out plants) kwānkanya
thing ikintu
(forsaken, worn out) akāhebwe
(very tiny) akazatsa
(discarded things) umwāvu
(of no value) ikija
think kwīyumvīra, gucīra, kugira,
kwīkēkāko, kwīrimbūra
(about) kuziga
(over) gutegēra, kuzirikiana
(over whether a thing is right)
kurimbūra
(to do quickly without thinking)
gusimbagurika
(I think, you don't think, one might
think) umēnga, umēngo
(think of that!) pe!
thinner (to become) gufūtānya,
kwīfūtānya
thick -nini
thicken kuvura, gufatana, kuvuza
thinness (excessive way loss)
umunya
thickness intīmbatīmba
thirst inyōta
urukurikirane rw'amajambo
thief umwāmbuzi, umuhumbūzi,
textile ubugwegwe bahinguramwo
umwīvyi, umunyazi, umusuma,
igisuma
(excessive) ishārara, isari
(to quench one's) guhodoka,
kwīshōza
thieve (to) kwība, kwāmbura,
thirsty (to be) kunyoterwa,
kugira inyota
wakoze
kunyaga, gusahura, kwīha
(from each other) kwībana
(habitually) guhīmbira
(to be caught stealing) gusūmirwa
thanks (gift of) ishīmwe
thievery ubwāmbuzi, ubwība,
(in advance) uzoba ukoze
ubwīvyi, ubusahuzi
that (demonstrative, with class
thieves (to put 'medicine' about the
impuzu
(~ mill) uguhingura inyuzi
thank (to) gukenguruka, gutāzīra
thank you urakoze, murakoze,
agreements) uwo, -rya, urya, -rīya,
urīya uno, wa
(demonstrative, invariable) nya
(conjunction) ko, ngo, yūko
(in orther ~) kugira ngo
that's it aho rero! baco!
kraal to keep away ~ and evil
spirits) kurēmbeka
thigh (upper) ikibero
(thighs, buttock) itako
thimble agapfukarutoke
217
thirteen icumi na batatu
thirty mirongwitātu
this (demonstrative, with class
agreements) uyu
thistle igitovu
thorn ihwa, igisata
(bush) igisata
(tree) umubambāngwe,
umugūnguma, umurīnzi,
umutobotobo, umunyinya
(to remove) guhāndūra
thou (mainly in greetings or
questions) ga
thumbprint igikumu, ikinkumu
tile itegūra, irori ry'idirisha
(to make) gutēra igikumu
(floor ~) isasa
thought icīyumvīro
thunder umuturagaro, inkuba
tiling isaso
(to put one's face in one's hands in
deep ~) kwītangira itama
(refers to imaginary animal that
makes the thunder)
(to ~) guturagara
(thunderstorm) ikivura
thoughtlessly (to speak)
kurandamuka
thoughts (to express one's)
thunderstorm ikivura
gukīmbūka
Thursday kuwa kane
thousand igihūmbi
thus niko, ni ko
thread urunyuzi, urusurusuru
(it is thus) n'ūko
(shave off fibers for) gukubagura
(of cotton etc.) urunyuzi
thwack ikōfe
threat agahahirizo, igikangīro,
imihigo
tick inyōndwe, inyōndwi
threaten kudigiriza, guhahiriza,
guhiga, kwīhanikirza, gukana,
gukangīra, kuvyigiriza
(to rain) gukuba
threats imihigo
three -tatu, esheshatu
(three times) gatatu
thresh guhūra
throat umuhogo, uruhogo, agahogo
throne intebe
(to come to) kwīma, kungoma
(to place on) kwīmika
through (to pass) guca
throughout hōse
(to spread ~) (see 'spread')
throw (to) guta, gutēra
(apart) gukumira
(at each other) gutēranya
(away) guta
(down) kujegeza
(down from above) gukorora
(forcefully) gushibura
(on ground) kwegura, gukungura
(out) gukugunya, kujugunyika
(stick on ground which tumbles
end over end) kubirika
(water) kumīja
(on the face) inshi
(that causes ~ fever) igitangu
(cattle ~) uruguha
tick fever ikimputo
ticket igipande (Sw.), itike
tickle kudīgadīga
(tickling sensation) ubudīgidīgi
tidy (up) gutunganya
tie (to ~) kuboha, guhāmbīra
(beans on hedge to dry) gushisha
(clothes at waist) gukenyeza
(cow's legs while milking) kujīsha
(firmly) kudādira
(neck of sack) kuniga
(oneself to) kwīhābīra
(rope) kudādira
(securely) kudaga
(together) gutubika,
gupfundikanya
(up a bundle) gutēkera
(with knot) gupfundika
(as goat in pasture) kuzirika
tie ikaruvati
(traditional, worn on shoulder at
dances) umwōgo
tied (to be) guhāmbīrwa, kubohwa
(to be ~ with) kubohēshwa
(to be ~ as goat) kuzirikwa
(to be easily ~) kuboheka
(to come un~) kubohōka
tilt guhēngeka
time umwānya, ikibariro, igihe,
amango
(another ~) ubundi
(a short time) akanya
(the very last) ubuherūka
(of finishing or attaining
something) ikirīngo
(God's time) igihe c'imana
(for planting small grain) ibiba
(to set a ~, to do something at a ~)
guhēnga
(to set, measure, await a fixed ~)
kugerereza
(to spend ~ together) kumarana
(to waste one's ~) gukinanga
(how many ~) kangahe?
(many times) kēnshi
(no time) nta umwanya,
ntamwanya
(number of times) ibihetangabo,
e.g. seven times – ibihetangabo
ndwi
time of day amango
(dawn) umutwēnzi
(early morning) agatōndo
(morning) igitōndo
(between 9 and 10 am) ku musase
(near noon) umutāga, ku mamina
ngohe
(about 1 pm, when cows leave
drinking place) amahodoka
(about 3 pm) amasubirayo y'inyana
(toward sundown) umuhīngamo
(after dark) bwateranya
(sun low, but visible) ikirēngazūba
(early evening) akagorōba
(late afternoon or evening)
umugorōba
timepiece isaha
timid (to be) gutīnya
timidity isoni
timidness isoni
thrush (mouth disease)
tight (place) imbōmbāne
tin (small box) umukebe
agafindofindo
tighten (to) guhata (e.g. loose hoe)
(can) igikopo
(cake ~) iforoma y'igato
thumb urukumu, akagabo
218
tiny -nzīnya (used esp. with th
toe ino
tooth iryīnyo
class)
(very ~ thing) akazatsa
(~ thing of no value) akazirukanyo
(extra) indorerezi
(to stub one's) gutsītāra
(to cause to stub) gutsītāza
tip isōnga, igisōnga
toenail urwāra
(back) ijigo
(cuspid) ibwēna
(front) amarwi
(wisdom) muzitsa, mutsitsa
(payment) impēmbo,
agashirukabute
(to ~ head back) kurarama
(to ~ head to one side) guhengama
tip-toe (to go on very softly)
gusōbōka, kuyōmbōka
(to stand) gushīnga amano,
gusumburuka
(to stand to get something)
gusumburukwa
tipsy (to feel ~) guswingarara,
kwumva iswingi
tipsyness iswingi, (used together
with kwūmva, numva iswingi)
tiptoe (to go on very softly)
gusōbōka, kuyōmbōka
(to stand) gushīnga amano,
gusumburuka
(to stand to get something)
gusumburukwa
tire (to ~ out) kunanira, kunaniza,
guzamiza, gutamya
tire ikigōmbo
(wheel tire) ipine
tired (to be) kudendebukirwa,
kunanirwa, kuruha
(and discouraged) gucobogora
(for no reason, e.g. in morning)
kugoherwa
(to make) kurusha
tithe ikigira cumi
to i, ku, kuri, kwa
to go out (to ~) gukūndana
to pooh kunya
toad igikere
together hamwe
(all) icārimwe
(living) umubāno
(all speaking) imvugarimwe
(with) kumwe
(sticking) akaramata
(trees grown very close ~)
impatane
(to be) kumana
(to bring) gukoranya, gutēranya
(to come, as crowd) gukungēra
(to come all ~, suddenly, as at call
of trouble) kurandamuka
(to crowd ~) kwegerana
(to get close) kwegerana
(to go ~ to see something, of many
people) gukōndōrera
(to live) kubāna
(to live, be always) kwāmana
(to meet) gukorana, gutērana
(to cause to meet) gukoranya,
gutēranya, guhūza
(to put) kwegeraniriza, guhūza
(to put things or people close ~)
kwegeranya
(to spend time) kumarana
(to stick, vi) gufatana, kumata
(to stick, vt) gufatanya, kumatanya
(to strive and crowd) kuvurungana
toil ubucumukure
toilet umusarani, umusalani
tomato inyānya, itomati
(~ sauce) isosi y'itomati
tomb imva
tomorrow ejo (lit. 'the other day',
therefore also: yesterday)
(day after ~) hīrya y'ējo
tongs (used in forging metals)
ikimano
tobacco itābi
(small horn used for) inconco,
iconco
tongue ururimi
(cord of) inkīngi, igikīngi
(to be tongue-tied) kugobwa
today uyumunsi, uyu munsi
tonsils amāgage
toddler ikidegedege, akadegedege
tool icūma, igikoresho
219
tooth decay ukubungwa, ukubora
kw'amenyo
top (of roof) agatwe
(of mountain or hill) impīnga,
igikombe
(to arrive at) kurēngēra
(to cut ~ of grass or tree)
gukēmūra
topknot isūnzu
torch urumuri, isitimu, itoroshi,
itoci
torment gukēkeza, gushinyagurira
torso umutūmba
torticollis urukebu
torture agashinyaguro
toss (about on ground)
kugaragurika
(garment over shoulder) gukūba
(and thresh about) kwīgaragura
(to be tossed about) kuzungagizwa
totally de, dede, me, pē, rwose,
kabisa (Sw.)
touch gukora, gukorako,
gukorakora, gushorera
(a person to attract his attention)
gukoma
tough (to be) kuguma, guhāmbāra,
gukara, gukomera, kudadarara,
gukomāntara
(to be, earth) gutūta
(to be difficult) kugōra, gukomera
(to have a ~ life) kunamba
(to make ~ for one who has lost a
loved one by reproaching the dead)
kwītāmba ku muvyimba
(to make ~, hearted) gukomāntaza
(to take out of ~ places)
kugobōtora
tourniquet (to put on) gutubika
toward (the top) haruguru
(to be looking) gutūmbēra
(to go) kwerekera, kwerekeza
(to direct ~) kwerekeza
(to look) kwerekera
towel agatambaro gahanagura
tower umunara
town ikomine (Fr. commune)
toxin ubumara, uburozi, ishano
(of snake or other animal, in
mouth) ubusagwe
guhwāmika
(to be) kwītōnda
(to become) guhora, guhūmura
tranquility amarembe
transform guhindura
transfusion (of blood) ugutera
amaraso
translate guhindura
trace (copy) gucapa urabiye ku
rupapuro rubonerana
transmit (contagious disease)
track ikānda
transparent (to be) kubonerana
(of animal) umwānza
(of person, anything that indicates
path a person has taken) akēhe
(to make) guhonyora
(thing, or shiny) urubona
transpire icūya, urwūya
trade (to ~) gucuragiza, gucuruza,
transplant (young plants for
kudāndaza, guhānjura, gukāba
(butter for other things) kumadika
(one article for another) kuguza
trade urudāndaza, ubudandaji
trader umucuruzi, umudāndazi,
umudandaji, umudāndaza
trail (to) gukwēga
(along) kunyogōmba
(along quickly) gukūbēba
(along a very heavy thing)
gukurura
(on ground) gukūba
train igāri ya moshi
trainer (sport) umutōza
training indero, ukwiga
trait ibiranga
trait ingeso, akamenyēro
kwāndukiza
(to ~) kubira icuya
transplanting) ingemwe, umuvyāro
(to ~) kubadika, kubātura
(to make little hole in ground for
planting tree or plant) gukoba
transpose (syllables in word)
gufudika
trap akamashu, umutego, ururiba
(to ~) gutega
(trunk) umutūmba
(small ones around big one)
umuvyāro
(big spreading) umutagare
(palm) ikigazi
(small, palmlike) igisāndasānda
(of whih bark was used for
clothing) umumānda, icōmore,
umuvumu, ikivumu
(of which bark is used for rope)
umuvūmvu
(to be many) gusagāra
(to climb) kwūrira
(to climb down) kwūruruka
(to cut) gukera, gutema, guca
(to cut off top) gukēmūra
(trees grown very close together)
impatane
tree tomato ikinyomoro
tremble guhīnda agashitsi,
kujugumira
(as hands in grasping) gususumira
(earth) kunyiganyiga, gutigita
(in fear) kudēgedwa, kudēgemwa,
kudugudwa
(of hands, from cold or fever)
gutetemera
trembling agashītsi, igishītsi
trash umwāvu
(because of fear) agatēngo
travail (childbirth) ibise
tremendous (to be) guhāmbāra
travel kwāmbuka
trench umufunegi, umufuregi,
(through a country) kunyura
(around) gutēmbēra
umukuku
trial urubānza, ibūrana
umwāmbukīra
(to declare one's case at a ~)
gusāmba
treason ubugambanyi
tribe ubwōko
traveller inyāmbukīra, ingenzi,
(strong clan) igisata
treasure (to ~) guha agacīro
tribunal urukiko
treasure ubutūnzi
(royal) ibwāmi
trickle (to) gutōnyānga
trample guhonyanga, guhonyora,
guhonyagura, gusiribānga,
gukāndagira
(unintentionally) gufyāta
treat (one who treats illness)
umuvūzi
(to ~ illness) kuvūra
(with anger) gushinyagura
(patient who does not recover)
gufufahaza
trampled (to be, as path)
treatment (med) ukuvura
traitor umuguranyi
tramp (to be a) kugaramāngira
gukomāntara
tranquil ubutēkānyi
(to ~) guhorereza, guhoza,
tree igiti
(fruit tree) igiti c'ivyamwa
(base of) igitsina, itsina
220
trigger (to ~) gutuma, gutēra
trimester igihembwe
trip urugēndo
(food for) impāmba
(to prepare things for) gutēkera
triumph (to) kunēsha
triumph intsīnzi
troop umuco, igico
troth indahiro
(to fail to keep ~) kwīrahuruza
trouble icāgo, amaganya,
amagōrwa, amarushwa, akaga
(to ~) kugōra
(to be free from ~, when others
have it) gucuna
(to help one in ~) kwemānga
(to stir up ~) kugūmūka
(med) uguta umutwe
trouble maker umutāsi
troubled (to be) kuganya,
kuganyira, guhagarika umutima
troublemaker umutāsi
trouser ipantaro, ipantalo
(short trouser, shorts for sports)
ikabutura
trowel umwiko
try kugerageza, kugeza
tutor umurēzi
(on clothes) kwīgera
(over and over in several places
and ways) gutarataza
(to get out of work) gushaza
(to hinder from doing wrong)
guhōyahōya
(to know something) kugenzūra
(to persuade) gukiranira
(to persuade in underhanded way)
kubembeteranya
(repeatedly unseccessfully)
kwānkika
(to rule or act in another's place)
kurēngera
(to surpass another) guhiga
(to ~ child) kurera
twelve icumi na babiri
twenty mirongwibiri
twice kabiri
twig agati
twilight ubwīra
(to be) guhwibira
twin ihasa, amahasa (pl.)
tsetse fly ikibugu
(father of) sebabiri
(mother of) nyirababiri (rarely
used)
tube (as hollow bamboo) umugano
twist gukānya, guhotora
tuberculosis igitūntu, agatūntu
Tuesday kuwa kabiri
(small ~) agakamyo
tumble (splash and ~ as water in
river) gusūriranya
(down) gushunguruka
true nyakuri, nyāyo
tumor ikivyīmba
truly bwīte, koko, n'ukuri, y'ukuri,
c'ukuri etc.
tureen ico baruriramwo isupu
truck ikamyo
TV imboneshakure
turn urubu
trumpet urumbēte, inzāmba,
(to take) kuja imbu, kwākīrana,
akazāmba
kwākīranwa, gukūranwa
(to have one's) kuramukirwa
trunk (of tree, person, animal)
(about, vt) kuzūnguza, kuzūnguriza
umutūmba
(against) guhinyura
(of banana tree after stalk is cut)
(against one you've loved) gucāna
igitumbatumba
(around, vi) guhindukira
(around, vt) guhindukiza
trust (to ~) kwīzera, kwīzigira
(around several times, vt)
trust icizere
kuzungagiza
(away, vt) guhīnda
trustworthy (person) umwīzigirwa,
(back, vt) gukuba
umunyakuri
(as fold)
(to be) kwīzigirwa
(bad suddenly, e.g. weather,
attitude) gufurūngana, gufurāngana
truth ukuri, impamo
(on side, vt) guhēngeka
(to hide the ~) kwīyobagiza
(to make one tell the ~) kurahuruza (one's head) gukebuka
(over and over, vt) kugaragura
(to speak the ~) guhinyuza
(to tell the whole ~, without hiding (right side up) gucurūra
(upside down) kwūbika,
a thing) kwātagura
gucuramika
(someone speaking the ~)
(upside down or wrong end to)
imvugakuri
gucurika
truthful (person) umunyakuri,
imvugakuri
221
(as arm, rope, etc.) guhīnga
(fibers in making rope, thread)
kudandikanya
(one's foot) guhinyagara
(to wriggle and ~) kwīnyuguta
two -biri, evyiri, kabiri
U
Ugandan (person) umuganda
ugliness ububi
ugly -bi
ulcer igikomere, igisebe
(pain from tropical ~, one that
develops rapidly) igitema
(mouth ~) ibisebe biterwa n'isuna
umbilical cord uruzogi
umbilicus umukōndo
umbrella umutāra
unable (to be) kudashobora
(to do what one attempts) gutāna
(to hear well) kwūmva
bihurugūshwi
unafraid (to be) guhangāra,
kurīndūka, gushirukanya,
gushira amanga, gutīnyūka
unashamed (to be) kwerura,
kutagira isoni
unblock kuzibūra
understand gutāhūra, kurabuka,
(to be, of what to do) kuzāzānirwa
(to be, of what a person is, to go
carefully because one does not
know the path well) guhwihwisha
(to go ~ of the way) guhushagirika
guhubūka
(to cause to) gutāhūza, gutegereza,
gukurugutura
(to hear) kwūmva
(to think over) gutegēra
(after thinking over) gutegereza
(one another) kwūmvīkana,
kwūmvana
uncertainly (to go) guhushagirika,
understandable (to be) gutāhūka,
unbroken –zima
uncertain (to be) guhugūmba
kudāguza
kwūmvīkana
uncivilized (person) umushēnzi
understood (to be) kurangūka,
uncle (paternal, my, our)
gutāhūka
unite (to put things of different
types together) gupoperanya
(unite in) gupoperaniriza
unity ubumwe
university kaminuza, ishūre nkuru
unjust (to be ~, to favor unjustly)
kubera
unjustness akarenganyo
unkind (to speak unkindly to each
other) kurandagurana
unknown (to be) kuyoberana,
kuyobera
dāta wacu
(paternal, your) so wānyu
(paternal, his, her, their) sewābo
(maternal, my, our) mārume
(maternal, your) nyokorume
(maternal, his, her, their) inarume
underwear ikariso
unclean (to be) guhumāna
(oneself) kwīyāmbura
unlucky (person) indushi,
umugōrwa, umurushwa, umutīndi
(to be) guhumirwa
uncleanness ubuhūmane
unexpected (thing) icūbirizi
unmake (bed) gusasūra
unconsciousness intere
unexpectedly (to come, to happen,
finding one unprepared) kwūbīra
unmistakable (to be ~) kugaragara
uncooked –bisi
uncover gupfukūra, gutwikurura
(for women) impuzu zo munsi
undiluted –novu
undo gusambūra
undress (to) kwāmbura
unfairness akarenganyo
(basket) kurumūra
(to become) gupfunduruka
(to be) gutwikururwa
unfold kugarānzura, kuzīngurura,
undecided (to be) guhigima,
umugōrwa, umurushwa, umutīndi
(to be) guhumirwa
kujuragira
undeniable (to be ~) kugaragara
under mūsi, mūsi ya
(~ a bed) urutara
under-clothing (long one piece
garment) umugega
gupfunyūra
(~ a bed) urutara
undernourishment ingaburo
idakwiye, indya
undershirt (vest) umwambaro
w'uruyoya
unload gutūnda, gutūra
unpleasant (to be) gushisha
unpretentiousness isoni
unrecognizable (to make)
kuyoberanya
unfortunate (person) indushi,
unripe –toto
unroll kuzīngurura
unfruitful (to be) kugūmbaha,
guhona
(to make) gukona, gushāhura
unsewn (to come) gusonoroka,
unfruitful (to be, person)
kurārāta
kubāruruka
unstable (to be) guhindagurika,
kugūmbaha
(plants) kurūmba
(place)
uruharabuga
undergo (to) kunyura
(thing, corn, etc.) ikirūmbirane
underhanded (to persuade
(to become from lack of fertilizer)
someone in ~ way) kubembeteranya guseba
underneath mūsi, mūsi ya
unless shiti
ungrateful (person) intashīma
unhook kugobōtoza
uninhabited place agahīnga,
ubutēri, ubutēritēri
unintelligent (to be) kudebagura
unison (in) icārimwe
222
unsteady (to be) kuzūnga,
kuzūngazūnga
unstitch gushohora
unstop kuzibūra
(become unstopped) kuzibūka
unsuccessful (to be) gutāna
(try repeatedly unseccessfully)
kwānkika
untie kubohōra, kudādura, kuzitura,
guhamburura, gupfundurura
(cow's legs after milking) kujishura
(to turn) kwūbika, gucurika,
gucuramika
vacation uruhusha, ikiruhūko,
gupfunduka
until kugeza aho
urchin umuhimbiri
untroubled (to be) kudayadaya
urge kwōsha
vaccination ugucandaga, imugu,
ururāsago, indāsago
(to make) kugāzagāza
(to be having surfeited)
kugāyagāya
urinate (to) gusōba, kunyara
untrustworthy (person) igihūmbu
urine (of humans) amasōba, inkari
untied (to come) kubohōka,
untwist guhotorora
unwanted (child) intabwa
unwilling (be ~ to commit oneself)
kwīyumānganya
(be ~ to look one in the face)
kwīyobagiza
unwillingly (to do) kugoyagoya
(to obey) kugambarara
unwillingness (~ to be told) itūntu
unwise (person) igihūmbu
unwisely (to speak) kurofokwa
unwrinkled (to become)
(cow) kugānga
ikonje
vacillate kugaragurika
(between two actions) gutēgekanya
vagabond umwāngāzi, igihūmbu
(of animal) amagānga
vagina igituba, umusundi, igisundi
Urundi Burundi
vain (in ~) ubusa
(inhabitant of) Umurundi
(language of) ikirundi
vainly (in ~) ubusa
us twebwe, tweho
valley umwōnga
(and us, we) nātwe
(both of us) twempi
(all of us) twese
(like us) nkātwe
(with water) iriba
(with no water) akabānde
(brow of hill) igikombe
(to cross) kujabuka
usage akamaro
valuable (something ~) agacīro
use (to) gukorēsha
value ijūnja, akamaro, ikimazi
(needlessly) kwāya
(up) guhombōza, gukōmba,
kumarīsha, gushirīsha
(violence) kuzingirikira
vanity ubwībone, ubwīshime,
amanyama
kugwagura
(to cease to be ~, path) gusība
vegetable (leafy) imboga,
irengarenga, ubwākara imbwīja
(assorted raw ~) imboga ziribwa
mbisi
(one single vegetable plant)
uruboga
usefulness akamaro
vehicle umuduga
(person or object completely at
end of ~) akāheze
veil igitwikirizo
uselessly (to consume) kwāya
venom (poison of snake or other
utensil (basin) umubēhe, ikibēhe
animal, in mouth) ubusagwe
ventilation uburyo bwo gutanga
akayaga keza
upper arm ikizigira
(bowl) ibakure
(clay cooking pot) inkono, inaga,
impānge
(tall clay water pot) umubīndi
(cooking) icōmbo
(small covered container) ikazānga
(small pot girls put butter in)
ikebano, urwāvya
(spoon) ikiyīko
(very large pot) intāngo
uprooting ukurandura
uvula amāgage
gupfunyūka
up hejuru
use akamaro
(higher) haruguru
(there) haruguru
(to lift) gukiriza
(to look straight) kurarama
used (to be, but not worn out)
up-to-date kigezweko, -gezweko
upgrade (another's work)
guhīngūra
(physically or otherwise)
kwōroherwa
(to begin to feel better after being
ill) gutenzukirwa
(soil) gutabira
(taste of food) kuryosha
(a technique) guteza imbere
(ubuhinga)
upon ku, kuri
upside down (to be) kwūbika,
verandah urubaraza
verb irivuga
verdict (not accept ~ rendered)
gutagara
verify guhinyuza
(what one has heard by asking
many) gushīshōza
upset plans inkomānzi
gucurika
(to ~) gutwikīra
verse umurōngo
V
223
vertebral column urutirigōngo,
uruti rw'umugōngo, agatirigōngo
vertigo ikizunguzungu
(to experience ~) kuzērērwa
(to retun from visiting chief)
gushengurūka
wail (to ~) kuborōga,
gukoma indūru, kuniha
very cāne
visitor umushitsi
wail indūru, amarūru
vitality (to have) kunōnōka
wailing amaborōgo
vitamin ivitamini
waist urukenyerero
vivacious (to be) gukakama
wait guhagarara, kwīhāngāna,
(the ~ one) –nyene
very much cane cane
vessel (blood) umutsi
vest umwambaro w'uruyoya
vex gusīnda
vocabulary amagambo, amajāmbo
voice ijwi
victor (to be ~) kunēsha, gutsīnda
(loud ~) akāmo, ijwi rirēnga
(to drop ~ at end of sentence or
expression) gutūza
(to raise ~) kurangurura
victorious (to be) gutsīnda
volcano ikirunga
victory intsīnzi
volunteer (to) kwītanga
vigor (to do with) kwitako
vomit kudahwa, kwīyōra, kuruka,
kuyōrwa, kwīyōrwa
(to ~ mother's milk, as baby does)
kubōga
vexation akabōnge
victim (slaughtered) imbāgwa
vigorousness imbaraga
village umuhana (used usually in
plural)
vomitting ukudahwa, ukuyorwa
vine (creeping) igitēza
vote itora
(grape) umuzabibu
(of certain sort) umurāndarānda
(red flowering) umukakampiri
(sweet potato) imibuto, umuvyūka
(pumpkin) umuvyūka
(electoral votes) amajwi y’amatora
(to vote, elect) gutora
vow (to ~) kwīsiba, kurahīra,
gushīnga
vineyard uruzabibu
vow indahiro
violate (to) kuzirukanya
violation (wrong done which
deserves punishment) umuziro
(to fail to keep ~) kwīrahuruza
vulgar (to be) kwerura,
kutagira isoni
vulva igituba
violence (to use) kuzingirikira
violent (to be) guhāmbāra
virus umugera
W
visible (to be) kuboneka
waddle (to) kunyoganyoga
vision imbonankubone
wag (tail) kuzungagiza
(to regain) guhumūka
visit kugēndera, kugēndagēndera,
kurāba, gutēmbēra (Sw.),
gusēmbēra, guterabiri, kuyāga
(a friend) kubūngirana
(the sick, to go to help one whose
house has burned) gusuhūza
(someone important) gushengera,
gushengerera
wage (salary) igihēmbo,
umushahara, impēmbo
wager (to) gutega
wagon igāri, igāre (Rw.),
umukogote
wagtail (bird) inyamanza
224
kurēngagiza, kurorēra
(for) kwītega, kurindīra, kurorēra,
gusamāza
(for another a long time)
kugungarara
(for someone expected) gutegereza
(opportunity to harm) kuryāmira
(the right moment) guhēngēra
(wait!) hīnge!
(waiting outside because you have
no permission to enter with others)
umugumo
waiter (at table) umugabuzi,
umuhereza
wake (up, vi) gukanguka,
kwīkangura
(vt) gukangura
walk kugēnda, kugēndagēnda
(backward)
kugēndēsha umugōngo,
kugēnda umugōngo
(esp. at night) kwīkānya
(help sick person ~) kwāndāza
(in footsteps of another) kugera
ikirēnge
(in one's sleep) kurandamuka
(in water) kuvōgera
(noisily) gukacagira
(on tiptoe) gusōbōka, kuyōmbōka
(slowly) kugoyagoya
(stealthily) gukacakaca, kwōmboka
(to take a ~, go for a ~)
kugēndagēnda, gutēmbēra
(~ about in house without
permission) kudōbēra
(barefoot) kugēnda n'ibirēnge
walking stick inkomi
wall ikibambāzi, umukīngo,
uruhome
(inside house) urusīka, igisīka
(surrounding) uruzitiro
(to ~) kuzitira
wall-to-wall carpeting imoketi,
indava
(vegetables) kurōnga
(very thoroughly) gufyikinyura
wander (about) kugaramāngira,
wash basin ikarabo, ibase
kuyerēra, kwīyenzereza, kuyēnzēra
(from place to place) kwāngāra,
guhugūmba, kuzerēra
washing powder ukumesa
wanderer umwāmbukīra, ingēnzi,
waste kwāya
inyāmbukīra, inyererezi, igihūmbu,
inzererezi
(to be a ~) kuzerēra
wane (moon) gutūba
want (to ~) gushāka, kugōmba
(one thing and that alone) gufūha
(something, but fear you won't get
it) guhahama
water pot umubīndi, umuhānge,
umukātwa, ikibīndi
water tower ikigega, igikono
c'amazi
waterfall isūmo
wasp ivūbi
(to fall in cascade) gusūma
(one's time) gukinanga
waste away (to ~ from illness)
kwīraburanirwa
wasting disease (person with)
umunywera
watering ukuvōmera
(can) ishwāro, ikivōmerezo
(place) urugomero, urugomero
rw'inka, rw'ibitungwa
(to make a ~ place) kugomera
waterman (for plants) umuvōmezi
(for carrying) umuvōmyi
watch kurīnda, guterama, kuba
waterway (of water in heavy rain)
umuvo
(for irrigation) umugende uvomera
k'impuzu
māso
(as night watchman) kurārīra
(i.e. workers) kurereka
(carefully) kugendeza, kugēnza
(flock) kuragira
(for) gusūra
(house) gusānga
(out for danger) guhwebutsa
(over) kubūngabūnga, kugendeza,
guteramira, kuzigama
warehouse (shop, boutique)
watching (to take another's place
wax (esp. bees) ishashara,
ibutike, imangazine, iduka
(storehouse) ikigega
in) kubangūra
want ubukene
(to be in ~) gukena
war intambara
(to go to help in) gutabāra
(to return from) gutabāruka
wardrobe akabati, akabati
warm (to be) gususuruka
(to get) gukanyuruka
(to make) gususurutsa
(oneself by the fire) kwītara,
kwītaragura, kwōta
warn guhanūra, guhubūra,
kwīhanikiriza
(against) kwīhaniza
(of danger) kubūrira, kubūra
warning igikangīro
warrior (young traditional) intore
wart isunūnu, intongāngira
wash kwōza
(esp. body) gukēmūra, kwūhagira
(clothes) kumesa, kumesūra
(hands) gukaraba
(legs, esp.) kwīyoga
(in lots of water) gufyikinyura,
kwīfyikinyura
(in one's eyes) kwīhumūra
(oneself) kwōga, kwīyuhagira,
kwīsukura
watchman umurinzi, umuteramyi,
umunyezamo (Sw.), umuzamu
(Sw.)
(esp. in daytime) umusānzi
(night) umurāririzi
water amazi
(rapidly flowing) umupfūnda
(anything that falls in) ikirohe
(dirt in) ikirohe
(large deep place of) icōgo
(thing for drawing) ikivōmesho
(to ~ plants) gusukira, kuvōmera
(to draw, go for) kuvōma
(to be covered with) kurengerwa
(to be in) kubōmbeka
(to filter ~) kuyōra amazi
(to flow softly, quietly)
kuyōmbekēra
(to go in, swim) kwōga
(to have dirt in) gutobeka
(to pour on another's hands)
kwūhīra
(to put into) kurobeza
(to remove foreign article)
gutosōra
225
wattle (of chicken) injebejebe
wave ingūnza, umupfūnda,
umukuba
waver kuzāma
(as flame in wind) kugoyagoya
umushashara
(to ~, moon) gutūbūka
(to make ~ for honey, bees) kujīsha
way inzira
(to feel the way before one with
foot or spear) gukebagiza,
guhwihwisha
(to find one's way after being lost)
guhubūka
(to go seperate ways) gutāna
(to show the ~, put on right path)
guhubūra, kurangīra
(by the way) hārya
we twebwe, tweho
weak (person) umugoyigoyi
(~ and faltering person)
urudēndevu
(place, as scar, on skins or gourds)
umuguma
(something that appears to be
strong but is ~) igihōmbe
(to be ~) kudendebukirwa,
kugabanuka, kugira intege,
kugoyagoya, kumugara
(to be ~ and floppy) kuregarega
weaker (to lose original force, to
be ~) gutītūra
weakness intege nke, ubumuga
wealth ubutūnzi, ubukire
wean gucūtsa, kuramura
(of animals) guhweza
weaned (to be, baby) gucūka
(animal) guhwerwa
weapon intwāro, icūma
wear kwāmbara, gufuba
(belt, girdle) gukenyera
(many clothes) guhūnda
(out) gushira, gutamiza
(out completely) guhombōza
(out person) gutamya
(to refuse, esp. girl to refuse to
marry a certain man) kubēnga
(to take wife without marrying her
properly) gucīkiza
(to go to husband without being
married) gucīkira
wedding ubukwe
(to be ~ attendant) gushīngira
(to go to ~ feast) gutāha ubukwe
Wednesday kuwa gatatu
weed (to ~) kubagara
(out grass quickly) kurandagura
(to get when others around are
dying) kurokoza
well-behaved (to be) gutēkereza
well-being ukubaho nēza
welt umuramu, umushishagu
(to swell up in ~ when beaten or
burned) kuramura
west iburēngerazūba, uburēngero
westwards iburēngerazūba,
uburēngero
wet –bisi
weed urwāmfu
(edible for greens) ubwākara,
inyabutongo, isōgi, urusōgo
(vt) kunyāgira
(to be dripping) kujōba
(to get ~ in rain) kunyāgirwa
week uruhusha, icūmwēru, iyīnga,
indwi
(last week) indwi iheze
(next week) indwi iza
whale ifi y'ikimizi
weep kurira, kwānira, kwāna
what kind –ki?
weary (person) indushi
(to weep over) kuririra
(what kind of) ki?
(to ~) gutamya, kurambira
(to be) kuruha
weeping amarira
what's up (informal greeting) bite?
weasel akarīnda, akagomba
weevils (to have) kubūngwa
weather (severe cold) igikonyozi
weigh (to) gupīma, kuriba
amaki? n'amaki? amaho?
umeze gute? gute none? gute?
vyifashe gute?
wearied (to be ~, by long speech or
delay) kurambirwa
weariness uburuhe, ubutame
(cloudy but not rainy) urufuri
(to be cool) gupfuka
(to turn bad suddenly)
gufurūngana
weave (to) kujīsha, gupfundika,
(down) kuremēra
(to ~ pros and cons) kwīrimbūra
weighed down (to be) kuremērwa
what iki ?
(what happened?) habaye iki?
what's your name wītwa nde?
what's-his-name naka, –ntūze
wheat ingano
weight uburiba
(to lose) kunamba
(to lose a lot of ~) kugōgōra
wheel (made of wood or reeds long
gutsiba, gusobanya
weaver uwujisha impuzu
welcome ikāze
wheelbarrow inkorofani (Sw.)
weaving ukujisha impuzu
(certain kind of grass used for ~)
agatēte
(to finish ~ an article) gusōza
(welcome!) kāze, karibu (Sw.)
(to ~) guha ikāze, gusanganira
(to give warm) gukēra (one does
not say this of himself)
web urubuga
weld kumadika
(spider ~) igitangurirwa
well (hole) iriba
website urubuga
well nēza
wed (each other) kwābīrana,
(to be) kuguma, gukomera
(to be, esp. of old people)
kudūndēga
(to not be) kuyōka
(to get) gukira, kurokoka
(to get after serious illness)
kurēmba
kuragana
(each other, rude) kurongorana
(of bride) kwābīrwa, kurongorwa
(of groom) kwābīra, kwēnda
(rude), kurongora
(a widow and go to her kraal)
gucūra
ago, bicycle wheel) urubangangwe
when (not in questions) aho, iyo, ni
(in questions only) ryari?
where (not in questions) aho
(in questions only) hēhe ? hē ?
whereas naho
whet gutyaza
(stick) kugegena
(to a point) gusongora
(instrument) gukarisha
which -he ?
whip ikimōko
(to) gukubita
whirlwind igihūhūta, agashūrurwe
226
whirring (sound of stick or string
whipped through air)
umuvuguvugu
whisper (to) kwītōnganya,
kwōngorera, kunwengurana
whispers ivyōngoreranyo
(sound of) ivyōngoshwe,
utwōngoshwe
whistle uruhwa, agahwa,
umwīronge, irāngo, ishoro
(to ~) kuvuza uruhwa
white cēra
(anything ~) igitare
(cow) igihororo
(something spotlessly) umwēru
(person) umwera, umuzūngu (lit.
one who aimlessly travels around)
(potato) igihaya, ikiyāra, ikiraya,
intofanyi
(to be) kwēra
(to make) kwēza
widow umupfākazi
(around, as string) kuzīngīra
(to shake in ~) guhuzēnwa
(disrespectful term) umukēcuru
(to be, of chief, etc.) gutūmbūra
(to become) gupfākara
winding stream ikigobe
widowed umupfākazi
window idirisha (Sw.)
(disrespectful term) umukēcuru
(to be, of chief, etc.) gutūmbūra
(to become) gupfākara
windstorm inkūrūma
width ubugari, ubwaguke
wife umugēnzi, umugore
(abandoned) intabwa
(favorite) inkūndwākazi
(wife of) muka
(wife of king, chief) umwāmikazi
(to bring back ~ after she's gone
home) gucūra
(to lose ~ by death) gupfākara
(to send ~ back to husband when
she's gone home) gucūrira
(to take) kwābīra
(to take, without marrying her
properly) gucīkiza
(~ pane) ikiyo
wine umuvinyo, umuvinyu
wing ibaba
(of chicken) icūbi
wink at kuvunira akagohe
winner (to be ~) kunēsha, gutsīnda
winnow (grain) kugosōra
winter imbeho
wipe guhanagura, gukēmūra,
whiteness igitare
wild (animal) inyāmaswa, igikōko
gupānga (Sw.), gukoropa
(esp. mother, wiping baby) guheha
(child's nose) kumyīra
(one's nose) kwīmyīra
(out) gusangangura
whitewash guhoma
wilderness akarēre
wire urubāngo, urubari, urunāri
whittle kugegena
will not nta ho, ntabwo
(coarse) urutāhe
(copper, fine) ikidodi
who nde ?
(dependant clause) ata ho
whole –ōse, –zima
willful (to be) kwānkika
whoop akānīra, inkokora y'akānīra
willfully bigirankana
whooping cough akānīra,
willing (to be) kwemera
inkokora y'akānīra
willingly bigirankana
whore marāya, indaya (Sw.)
wilt gukaba, gukabirana, kuraba,
wisdom ubwēnge
wise (person) umunyabwēnge,
(woman who has left many
kurabika
husbands and finally gone and built (to revive after being wilted)
at parent's home) igisubiramuhira
kurabūka
(to be wilted, about to die)
why kuki? kubera iki? kuber'iki?
kwānāna
wicked (person) umuyobe,
win (to) kunēsha
umugesera, umuhāmbāzi
(to ~ a case) gutsīnda, gutsīndisha
(to be) guhāmbāra
(to ~ elections) gutsinda amatora
(to be very) kugabitanya
(to be, having been good) gufūtāna
wickedness ubugararije,
ubugesera, ubugome, ubuhūmbu,
ubuyobe, ikigabitānyo
wickerwork akēbo
wide -gari
(to be) kwāguka, gutabarara
akaranda
(to be) gukerebuka
wish (strong desire) icīfuzo
(to wish) kwīfūza
wit's end (to be at) kuzigirizwa
witch umurozi
witch doctor umupfumu
(certain kind) umumago
(to have him bewitch someone)
kuraguza
(to have him divine) kuraguza
(to seek out evil doers) kuragura
(to take out objects from the body)
win back (consciousness) kurabūka
guhura
(life, strength) guhembūka
(bits of things used for divining)
(health, possessions) kwōkōka
agatēte
(stones, etc. which he claims to
wind umuyaga
take from swollen places on body)
(heavy) igihūhūta, igihūhūsi
umutundiro
(and rain, storm) inkūbi
(sound of things blown by wind)
witchcraft uburozi
umuvuguvugu
227
with na
(between two infinitives) no
withal bitayeko, uteko,
ikigeretseko, ubwo, nubwo
withdraw (from room) gutaramuka
withdrawal (eco) ukubikūra
wither gukaba
(to be withered, flesh) kunyūnyūka
withhold (to) kwīma
within muri, mu
without (without is expressed by a
verb in the –ta– negative, e.g. He
went without saying Goodbye =
Yagiye atavuze N’agasaga)
(~ pity or regarding) utwīninga,
irarīrari
witness (to ~) gushīnga intahe,
guhamya, kwāgiriza
(fearlessly in behalf of another)
kwemānga
witness icābona, agahinyuza,
umushīngantāhe
(fact) intāhe
wobble (to) kunyoganyoga
woe ibara
woman (lit. one wearing a wrap
skirt) umukenyezi
(married ~) umugore
(lady-like, respected) umupfasoni
(elderly, respectful term)
umukamakare
(elderly, disrespectful term)
umukēcuru
(who has left many husbands and
finally goe's to parent's home to
build) igisubiramuhira
won't nta ho, ntabwo
(dependant clause) ata ho
wonder kwībaza
(to look at in) gusamāra
wonderful (to be absolutely)
guhebūza
wood igiti
(chunk of) ikigiga, urugiga
(for fire) inkwi, urukwi
(to send some to one place, some
to another) gutānya
(of the hut) umugānda
(to put ~ on fire) gukomānya
(to work with) kubāza, ibiti vyo
kwubaka
workforce abakozi
woollen material impuzu z'ubwoya
workman umukozi, umunyakazi
word ijāmbo, amajāmbo,
amagambo
(root or stem) itsina
(one who speaks with senseless
repititions of ~) ikirogorogo
(to not keep one's ~, or to do that
which you declared you wouldn't)
kwīrahuruza
(skilled) umufundi (Sw.)
(someone instructed to work or
overseen at work) umuyoborwa
workshop (factory) uruganda
world isi
world wide web
ingurukanabumenyi (from
kwīrukana and ubumenyi)
wording (cheque) urutonde
rw'itungo
worm inzōka
work (to ~) gukora
(tapeworm) igikāngaga
(white, found in soil) igikogoshi
(at several tasks at once)
kujuragira
(carelessly wanting to quit)
kuregarega
(complainingly) kugimīra
(for king, chief) gusasa ibwāmi
(for oneself) kwīkorera
(hard) gucumukura, gutama
(hard at) kuramiriza
(lazily) kuregarega
(rapidly) gufuruguta
(together) gukorana
(unwillingly, complainingly)
kunyinkira, kugimīra
(with earnestness) gushira
igikonyo
(with wood) kubāza
(with zeal) gushira igikonyo
(to cease, go home from) kugodoka
(to ~ for another without approval)
kuruhira
(to do housework) kugora
(to feign) gushaza
(to put to) kwāhura
(to not keep at the job faithfully)
gutenzekanya
(to try to get out of, pretend to
work) gushaza
(to have ~ in one place many
years) kuzyātira
wormy (to be) kubūngwa
worn (to be used, but not ~ out)
kugwagura
worn out (clothes) agashāmbara,
umushāmbara
(mat) umusāmbi
(thing) akāhebwe, umushiro
(to be, of soil no longer
productive) gutītūka
(to become) gusāza, gucobogora,
gutama
(to repair repeatedly something
absolutely ~) gusanasana
worried (to be) kwīganyira,
kwīkānga
worry kwīganyira, kwīkānga
worship (to ~) gusenga
(to ~ spirits, Kiranga) guterekēra
worship amasengēsho
(catholic) imisa
(gourd used as object of) indendēri
(objects used in ~ of Kiranga)
ubuzimuzimu
(object of) ikigirwamāna
worthless (thing or person)
(amount assigned) ikivi
imburakimazi
(thing) imicekwa
worker umukozi
worthlessness impfāgusa
(in metals) umucūzi
(paid) umucāngero
(to hire, line up) kurārika
worthy (person ~ of praise or love)
umunyagikūndiro
(to be ~) kubērwa, gukwīra
work igikorwa, akazi (Sw.)
228
wound uruguma, igikomere
your (sing.) -we, –āwe
(incurable) akagīrīre
(to ~) gukomeretsa
(to be sore) gutonekara
(to dress a) gusomōra
(pl.) -nyu, –ānyu
yawn kwāyura
wounded (to be) gukomereka,
yaws ibinyoro
gusesērwa
wrap kwīfubika, gupfuka
(new-born baby) kubīkīra
(to be wrapped up together)
kwīcumba
wrap skirt igitenge
Y
(young man) umusore
(youth) intōre
(youth mob) imisore
(group of) urwaruka
year umwāka
(at the end of every) uk'umwaka
utāshe
(years of one's life) amavūka
zeal umwēte, umwītwaririko,
yeast umwāmbiro
ishāka, ifūhe
(to have) gushiruka umwete,
gushira igikonyo
(to lose one's) kudehūra
(to put ~ in beer) kubetera
wreath urugori
yell (at each other hateful things)
(such as put around basket with
gift) umwīshwa
gutukana
wriggle (and twist) kwīnyuguta
wring out gukānya, guhotora
yellow umuhōndo, umugina,
umutugutu
(dark) ibihogo
(of egg) umutugutu
(to become ~) kubēnja
(to become yellowish) kubēnjūka
wrinkle umukanya
(as in cloth) umupfunyu
(in face) umunya, injebejebe
(to ~) gupfunya, gupfunyirana
wrinkled (to be) kwītuna,
gupfunywa, gupfunyirana
(to begin to get ~ with age)
gukāmba
wrist igikōnjo
write kwāndika
(over) gusibūra
(with) kwāndikīsha
(write to, for) kwāndikira
writhe kugaragurika, gusāmba
writing urwāndika, icāndiko
wrong (done which deserves
punishment) umuziro
(to be ~ end to) gucurika
(to be placed ~ end to) gucurama
(to drop out of something because
you know you're in the ~)
kwōnjorora
(to try to hinder from doing ~)
guhōyahōya
(~ side of cloth) uruhande rubi
rw'impuzu
Z
yearn (over) gufūha
wrap up (to) guheza
wrestle guhotoranya
youth (age group) ubusore
zealous (to be) kwītwaririka,
gushiruka ubute, kugira umwēte
(to be ~ to accomplish) gufūhira
zebra imparage
zero zero
zest icānga, uburyōhe, ubusōse,
yelp guhara
akanovera
(thing with good ~) igisōsa
yes ēgo, yēgo, me
(emph.) ēgo me, ēgome, ēgo gwose (to be of the ~ of) gusōsera
(to have good ~) gusōsa
yesterday ejo (lit. 'the other day',
zither inānga
therefore also: tomorrow)
(day before ~) hīrya y'ējo, juzi
zucchini intirobwa, ikurujeti
yield (return of investment)
umwimbu
yogurt urubu
yolk (of egg) umutugutu
you (sing.) wewe, weho, we
(pl.) mwebwe, mweho
(and you) nawe, namwe
(like you) nkawe, nkamwe
(mainly in greetings, questions) ga
(you there!) yewe! yemwe!
young –to, -tō-to, –toya, –tonya
(of animal) umwāna, icāna,
umukāngara
(of small animal) imbūnda
(plants for transplanting) ingemwe
(girl, unmarried) inkumi
(man, unmarried) umusore
younger (the ~ or, youngest)
umuhererezi
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